“The History of Jefferson County, Wisconsin”, published: Chicago:  
Western Historical Company.   1879.


HAMILTON HASTINGS, farmer, Sc. 24; P.O. Oconomowoc; born 
Aug. 28, 1820, in Amherst, Hampshire Co., Mass.; in 1829, moved to 
Franklin Co. with his parents; he was educated there, and learned the 
saddlery and harness trade; also that of shoemaking, working at the latter 
two years; in 1840, shipped for a whaling voyage on the bark Blackstone 
from Mystic, Conn., and was away two years; a month after he landed, 
he started West by land to Albany, and by water to Milwaukee, reaching 
there June 23, 1843, and immediately started for Jefferson Co.; made a 
claim of eighty acres on canal land, and his brother, Horace Hastings, 
claimed eighty more; they were the first settlers and built the first log 
house in the east part of the township; in 1850, in connection with 
another brother, J. S. Hastings, built a frame house called the Maple 
Grove Tavern, which is still standing in use as a dwelling house; in 
1854, bought 116 acres on present location, but now owns 175 acres; 
built a block house in 1855, and lived in it till 1870, when he erected his 
present handsome residence.  Married Miss Lodema A. Washburn, of 
Genesee Co., N.Y., Jan. 1, 1845; she came to Waukesha Co., Wis., in 
1843; they have three children – William Wallace, born Sept. 24, 1845; 
Frank C., May 5, 1853; George H., Sept. 14, 1862.  Mr. H. was 
Supervisor of the township one year.  Is a member of Ellsworth Lodge, 
No. 33, Masons; Oconomowoc Chapter, No. 42.


Submitted by:  Linda Pingel  (LPingel@worldnet.att.net)