e first return eighteen years before when
the buildings were in their home nest, and great blue eyes were
looking out for me. But now some had already flown and others were
about ready. True, your dear old mother was there, and Edith too,
and Milo were there but in three short years Edith took her flight in
company with the angels to the skies to return no more.

In 1904 your mother and I went to St. Louis to see the World's Fair,
and to attend the National Convention of the disciples of Christ. We
made our home at Harry's and so enjoyed the wonderful sights at the
Fair, and feasted upon the rich spiritual things of the Convention.

Once again we, (your mother and I this time) returned to our humble
home. Do you know, boys, that there is no place like home? Well,
this is true, if home is home. But I declare to you when it comes to
taking your place at the old dining table and all the places on each
side of its full length are empty and only the two end places are
occupied, it is lonesome. Only one more leaving and this was true of
your father and mother's table. For when Clara on the 28th day of
June, 1905 the thirty-fifth anniversary of her father and mother's
marriage and the twenty first anniversary of her brother Milo's
birth, was married to Mr. Charles G. Sprong, the last place of the
children was vacated, and we were left alone.

But the heavier weight of sadness and sorrow did not come until,
within less than a year from Clara's happy marriage, death came for
her. And she was accompanied by the angels into the unseen world of
Glory.

In our lonesomeness we exchanged our farm home for a home in
Effingham, and moved to it September 19th, 1907. And here I rest,
trusting and hoping in God.

Some day when I cannot, will you please fill out the blanks below and
that will be the beginning of the end.

Z. S. HASTINGS.

Born March 15th, 1838

Died ________ ____ ______.

End of Project Gutenberg's Autobiography of Z. S. Hastings, by Z. S. Hastings

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF Z. S. HASTINGS ***

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