Randolph county MO. obituary Hester Hardwick Contributed by: D Branigan Moberly Monitor April 4, 1910 Moberly, Missouri Hester Hardwick Drowned Ten-Year-Old Girl's Horrible Death in Stagnant Pool at Mouth of City's Sewer" A most distressing accident occurred yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock just east of the city limits, when Hester May Hardwick, the ten-year- old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. Hardwick, was drowned in a pool at the mouth of the city sewer. The unfortunate child in company of three other little girls about the same age, was gathering flowers in the vicinity of the pool. In attempting to walk across the pool on a log which extended from one side to the other, she slipped and fell in the water. Two men were passing at the time and they promptly rendered assistance, but the body was lifeless when removed from the dark, dirty water. The water was probably not four feet deep, but was foul with the stench of the refuse dumped from the city's sewer system. The body was removed to Martin and Mahan's undertaking parlors and prepared for burial. Hester was an exceptionally bright and active child, the joy of her parents and a favorite of all who knew her. She leaves five brothers and three sisters. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. tomorrow from the residence, No. 416 Taylor Street, conducted by Rev. C.C. Selecman. Burial will be made at Higbee, the funeral party driving through. Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm