Martin V. B. Hastings, one of the leading farmers of Grantham, N.H., son of Jonathan B. and Rosina (Kidder) Hastings, represents the third generation of his family in this town, where he was born June 2, 1844. His grandfather, Jonas Hastings, a farmer, who came from Maine, was one of the early settlers of Grantham. He married Affie Baker, and had a family of ten children: Benjamin; Maria; Jonathan B.; Rosilla; Jonas, Jr.; William; Amos; Affie; John; and one child that died in infancy. Benjamin Hastings was a carpenter and farmer in Newport, N.H. He married Eliza Smith, and had a large family of children. Maria married Joseph Hastings, of Grantham; and Rosilla married George Colburn, of this place. Jonas engaged in the meat business at Claremont. He married Mary Whittiker, who bore him one child. William was a farmer in Grantham. His wife was Mary Hart. Amos, also a farmer, married Nancy Manchester. Affie became the wife of Julius Owen, of Hanover, and the mother of several children.
Jonathan B. Hastings, father of Martin, was born in Grantham, July 25, 1817, and was educated in the public schools of the town. He began his working life as a farmer, and has continued the occupation to the present Sophronia, Martin V. B., Mandanie, Armenie, James, Eugene, and one that died in infancy-were all born in Grantham. Sophronia married Simeon Smith, of Grantham, and has a family of four boys. Mandanie resides at Franklin, this State. Armenie is the wife of John Whitehead, of Franklin, and has two children. James lives on the homestead with his father. He married Jennie Leavitt, and they have four children. Eugene died when three or four years old.
Martin V. B. Hastings received his education in the public schools. After finishing his course of study, he went to work as a farmer and teamer, and has been successfully engaged in the same lines of business until now. He is prominent in public affairs, has long been Selectman, serving his constituents with faithfulness and ability, and holds that office at the present time. In politics he is a loyal Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of Franklin Lodge, No. 6, of Lebanon, and of the local grange, also of Blue Mountains Lodge of Grantham, being an officer in the last-named body. He attends the Methodist church, and is ever ready to give it needed financial support.
Mr. Hastings has been twice married; and by his first wife, Carrie Little, he has one child, Florence R. His second wife, Flora Belle Pinney, was born at Plymouth, Vt., January 25, 1861. He has no children by the second marriage. Florence R. Hastings, born April 21, 1876, married Burt Lewis, of Claremont, N.H. They have two children, Robert, born March 28, 1894; and Raymond, born in August, 1896.
