Audubon County Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Audubon Co., Iowa) 1885-1894, 1886-11-04
DEATH of a Journalist.

Mr.. L. X. Hastings died at his
home in Carroll, Iowa, on Wednes-
day, Oct. 27th, at ass p. M, Of
in the 39th year of his age.
The signs Of the insiduous disease
first appeared about four years ago,
since which time his decline has
been gradual but unrelen,ing. In
Iuue of last year he relinquished his
commission as postmaster and in
July last retired from the Herald
Since July his battle with the King
of Terrors has been brave and strong.
HIS sulferings have been intense and |
unremitting, but he has borne them
all patiently and without complaint.
Times of temporary relief from
physical suffering have given rise to
hope for his return to health and "A
long life of usefulness, but such hope
has ever been dispelled by the re-
turn Of the disease, perhaps slightly
changed in form, but each time
bearing evidence OF a stronger hold
upon its victim. His interest in
public affairs continued until the day
Of his death, and even on that morn-
ing he perused as usual the several
papers sent him from the Herald
office. On Wednesday morning he
said to an inquiring friend: 81 feel
| shall soon have to give up the
struggle. l am SO weak, and Death
is so strong! l shall have to yield
pretty scon." Soon before the hour
of noon his condition perceptibly
changed and he was first to recognize
the presence of the dark messenger.
He failed rapidly, but was conscious
and retained all his faculties except
the power Of speech to the last, and
was granted the last privilege oflife,
to bid an affectionate farewell to
fond and loving relatives.
In the capacity of editor Of the
Carroll Herald Mr.. Hastings gained
a most enviable and deserved repu-
tation as ready, versatile and forci.
bic writer, and possessed the faculty
of transmitting his own strength OF
character to its columns. His love
for the work was most noticeably
illustrated when in failing health
he resigned his position as postmaster
and continued to discharge the more
arduous but more pleasant duties
imposed by his chosen calling. His
personal character was exalted and
pure and gave stability to his efforts
as writer, which made the Herala
one OF the best newspapers in Iowa
He was a writer of surprising ability
and besides his work on the HeraIa
was contributor to literary publica,
tons of high standing. Among his
last writings were contributions to
the HeraIa, after his retirement
when he was wont 10 arise at : a.
m, 10 receive the benefits of the
health giving properties of the al
at that early hour. His letters were
de ,cri ptive Of the beauties of the
hour of sun rise and Of nature IN he,
freshness and glory, and were un
mi|aknbIy stlmpcd with the al
mlratlon OF one prizing treasm G.
about to he lost, one who had REIN
pushed The temporary cares of ;
busy world, looking with Thoughts
akin to devotion upon the Creators
handiwork.
Newspaper men have watched hi
decline with traternal anxiety, ant
all experienced sense of persona
loss when the Herald extra wa
: received conveying the sad and un
welcome news of his death. Tn
fraternity loses an able and tru
member, the family loses lovIns
: relative and the world loses a goot
A. man in his death. His labors arr
, ended and he has earned for himsel
! "man's noblest monument, a usefu
. life"
b, There is theory which has foun,
beautiful expression in a poem By
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, which con
cludes that the hereafter is contin
: uance of the pursuance Of studio
e engaged in here, an attainment c
e worthy aspirations, a realization c
| hopes, and fulfillment of all lauda
e bic ends striven tor here. We coul
= wish that the dead journalist Nigh
a receive such reward as this.
n Peace to his ashes.