William Wallace Hastings was my maternal great-great grandfather. He was the 1st son and the 1st child of Willis Hastings and Elizabeth "Betsy" Wallace Hastings. He married Margaret Ann Philpott on Sept. 3, 1857 in Bedford Co. TN. They had 13 children (9 sons and 4 daughters) who were all lovingly devoted to their parents in their ailing years and all 13 attended both funerals.
Source:
Obituary for W. W. Hastings...(as written in the newspaper)
"GRANDPA" HASTINGS DIED THURSDAY AFTER LINGERING ILLNESS---IN 87TH YEAR
William Wallace Hastings was born in Bedford county, Tenn., March 1, 1833 and died August 14, 1919, in Clarendon, Texas. He was married to Miss Margaret Ann Philpott, September 3, 1857. There were born to the union, thirteen children, all of whom are still living and all of whom did minister lovingly to him in his last sickness, which lasted for nearly a year.
William Wallace Hastings was converted in the summer of 1875, at Bear Creek Church, Tarrant county, Texas and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, living a faithful member of the same till his death.
Brother Hastings left behind him 13 children, 59 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren, making with father and mother, 106 souls.
Brother Hastings was a brave Confederate soldier who stood firm in the storm and stress of battle, receiving a wound in one of his feet during an engagement. He remarked some time ago that his heart had softened towards all his foes during the late Civil war, which shows, in his estimation, that the North and South constitute today one great brotherhood, linked and interlinked in the bonds of an inseparable union.
This good man blessed the world by leading a noble and useful life, having left behind him the fragrance of a beautiful and spotless character. He was a good citizen, always ready and willing to aid any public enterprise and to give comfort and help to the needy and suffering.
The funeral services of Brother Hastings were under the direction of Dr. Burkhead and the Odd Fellows. Dr. Burkhead discussed at the Methodist Church from which Bro. Hastings was buried, the following elements in his character. 1. A good man; 2. A sincere man; 3. An honest man; 4. A devoutly religious man.
The lives of such men as the deceased enrich the blood of the world and leave a lasting impression upon their descendants. May the blessings of God be upon Sister Hastings who walked lovingly by the side of her deceased husband for nearly sixty-three years. The Lord be merciful to the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have been so sadly bereaved.
Inscription on tombstone reads: We will meet again.
Jean Wallace
Great-great granddaughter.
Hastings Family History