MISERY ENDS IN THE GRAVE
A Short Sketch of the Career of Joseph H. Eastin, the Dead Taylor.

About, two weeks ago Joseph H. Eastin, an aged tailor in destitute circumstances, sickened and died here, and was buried at the expense of the county. He came to this city last summer from Manilla, and opened up a shop, but strong drink had gotten the better of him and he succeeded not. A few mornings before his death

Eastin was found in his shop, over Dewing's hardware store, in an unconscious and starving condition. He was given immediate attention, but he died on the morning of December 23. A year or so ago he left Tama City forever, and the night he departed he was given a place to sleep in the Milwaukee depot there. One day, when perfectly sober, he referred with anguish to his condition, while in conversation with a reporter: "Years ago," he said, "I had a loving wife and two children. Today, my wife lies in an unmarked grave my son is a tramp; I don't know where my daughter is; I'm a worthless sot. My life is a temperance lecture. I could have done better in Tama than any place else, but I left there, because those who ought to have been my best friends were my worst enemies. I left town that night and today, two years late, am a wreck, mentally and physically." Prior to about twelve weeks ago and before the MONITOR plant was moved from the second floor of the Dewing building one apartment of which was occupied by Eastin the writer remembers of oft times having heard the old tailor sing familiar old church hymns, and offer up prayer before retiring for the night.

Every word he uttered seemed to come from a burdened heart. But he is dead now and sleeps in an unmarked grave, like his wife, where all earthly troubles end.

February 16, 1897
Just heard of his death.
Yesterday, the Monitor received the following letter, which is self-explanatory:
Palo, Iowa, February 24.
Ed. Monitor: I herewith drop you a few lines of inquiry as to the death and burial of my brother, Joseph. H. Eastin. Word of his death has just reached me, and that is all I heard; therefore, you will confer a favor upon me if you will write me particulars in full.
Very truly, Tilda Johnson.