Evening journal., 1911-10-09
DEATH TAKES
MR.. HASTINGS
CONTINUED from First Pagel

MS attitude.
He is Survived by his wife. Mrs.
Katherine Hasting, who Ia active in
church work, particularly in the
Methodist Episcopal mission causes
and in charitable affairs.
Washington Hastings was born in
New Castle County, September is.
1887. coming to Wilmington at the
age Of twelve years and residing the
remainder OF his seventy-four years
OF life in this city. The years 1S49
and 1850 saw the future business
leader industriously learning the
three RS in the little public school
at Sixth and French Streets. where
the synagogue of the Adash Kodesch
congregation now stands. Following
this training, he spent a year in the
private school taught by Theodore
Hyatt In that building so fraught
with old Delaware associations, the
Ienth and Market Streets headQuart-
ers OF the Delaware Historical So
ciety.
Although still young lad. he was
not able to pursue a school career
any further, but was compelled by
circumstances to t-rn his attention
to business life. He served an ap-
premiership in a hardware firm at
Ser o ID a d Market Streets until
twenty-one years OF age, and then be-
gan at the foot of the business ladder
with clerkship offered him by the
Wilmington Plate Iron Works. The
young mans clear-headed business
ability, combined with his reliabil-
ity and his winning personality, soon
gained him repeated promotion, until
In 1867 he became a partner I'm the
Seidel and Hastings Company which
replaced the Wilmington Plate Iron
Company.
From this time, Mr.. Hastings was
considered one Of the leaders among
Wilmington manufacturers. He was
several years the president of the
Seidel and Hastings Company, which
before the sale a few years ago, con-
Quoted a large business in the making
Of iron and steel boiler plates, em-
ploying a large force of men.
Mr.. Hastings was prominently iden-
titled with Wilmington activities in
many other ways than as a business
leader. He was an ardent supporter
of the Republican party, and In 1881
was nominated by his party as rep
sentative TO the national Congress
IL was one OF the most stirring cam
paigns ever fought in Delaware. and
so closely was the office contested
that IL was at first thought probable
he would win, though 1t was finally
found that the election had been
gained by the late Chief Justice
Charles b. Lore, who was the Demo-
cratic candidate. The large vote won
by Mr. Hastings was a signal token
OF his popularity, for II has been but
rarely that either party has nominat-
ed Congressman from Delaware
who was not a member of the bar
In religion, as well as In politics
and business, Mr.. Hastings took an
active stand and was an honorCd
leader. He Joined St. Pauls Metho-
dist Episcopal Church in this city at
the age OF nineteen. in 1865 he was
prominent in the organizing of Grace
Methodist Episcopal Church Of which
he remained a member until his death,
serving for many years on the Board
of Trustees, and as teacher and super
intendent in the Sunday school. His
wife, who was Miss Catharine Nc
Caulley, daughter Of the late Samuel
McCaulley. to whom he was married
in 1864, was also an active helper In
the work OF Grace Church. where
she is a member OF a number OF the
women's societies. VIM. p. Hastings,
the only child, died about two yeara
ago, and this was a grief from which
Mr.. Hastings never recovered.
Mr.. Hastings was a member OF the
Board OF Water Commissioners from
1893 until 1899. He was elected presi-
dent OF the Board OF Trade IN 1874,
and a delegate to the Convention OF
Merchants and Manufacturers held IL
Washington IN 1876. AS notary
public Of New Castle County, a dir
ector of the Artisans Savings Bank
manager OF the Home for Friendless
and Destitute Children, and Of other
benevolent institutions, as a dele
gate to the Republican National Con-
vention in 1884 and in many other
ways, Mr. Hastings repeatedly mani
tested his manifold interest and
abilities. his sterling worth, and the
high esteem In which he was held by
the community.
He was a candidate for the Republi.
can nomination for Mayor three
years ago. He was appointed magis-
trate by Governor Lea and was re-
appointed by Governor Pennewill tc
that Office. He had been prominently
urged for postmaster Of Wilmington
on several occasions. In the license
campaign Mr. Hastings was active
in the dry" cause. He had a wonder
full memory and a happy reminis-
cent style OF writing, and his book
dealing with his "reminiscences OF Will
mington and its residents, which was
printed In installments in The Even
ing Journal, was enjoyed by thous-
ands of readers
In earlier life Mr.. Hastings was
greatly interested in aquatic sports
and he was one Of the active members
OF the old Bachelor Boat Club and
was referee OF some of the stirring
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