John Simpson Hastings

Who was John Simpson Hastings?

John Simpson Hastings was a United States federal judge.

Born in Washington, Indiana, Hastings received a B.S. from U.S. 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 LL.B. from Indiana University School of Law in 1924, and was thereafter in private practice in Washington, Indiana until 1957.

On March 14, 1957, Hastings was nominated by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit vacated by James Earl Major. 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 also received The Lincoln Academy of Illinois law award in 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.