Background
Hastings, John Simpson was born on June 30, 1898 in Washington, Indiana, United States. Son of Elmer Ellsworth and Bertha Jane (Garten) Hastings.
Hastings, John Simpson was born on June 30, 1898 in Washington, Indiana, United States. Son of Elmer Ellsworth and Bertha Jane (Garten) Hastings.
Bachelor of Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, 1920. Bachelor of Laws, Indiana University, 1924, Doctor of Laws, 1959. Doctor of Laws, Northwestern University, 1961.
Born in Washington, Indiana, Hastings received a Bachelor of Surgery from United States. Military Academy, West Point, New York in 1920 and was a Lieutenant in the United States Army, Field Artillery from 1920 to 1921. He received an Bachelor of Laws from Indiana University School of Law in 1924, and was thereafter in private practice in Washington, Indiana until 1957. Hastings was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 22, 1957, and received his commission on August 26, 1957.
He served as chief judge from 1959 to 1968, assuming senior status on February 1, 1969.
Hastings served on the court until his death, in 1977. Hastings was an active member and officer of the Indiana University Alumni Association for many years.
He served on the Board of Visitors for the Indiana University School of Law from 1970 to 1977. His charitable activities included service on board of governors of the Riley Hospital for Crippled Children in Indianapolis.
Hastings" professional papers for the three decades leading up to his death were donated to the University of Indiana where they are currently housed.
Member American, Illinois, Indiana (past governor), Chicago, 7th Circuit bar associations, Chicago Law. Mason, Rotarian (honorary). Clubs: Union League, Legal, Standard.
Married Mary Esther Smiley, June 2, 1925. Children: William Elmer and James Roland (twins).