Joseph E. Gardner, 54, farmer and stockman, died attempting to save Haidee V., 38, and Ralph C. Uzzel, 3, from drowning, Clayton, Oklahoma, May 10, 1943. While wading on a roadway in the flood waters of Hurd Creek, Mrs. Uzzel, who carried her son Ralph in her arms, lost her footing and drifted in a strong current into an orchard. Gardner, who was wading toward Mrs. Uzzel in water four feet deep, lunged and got hold of her. He lost his footing; and the three drifted into deeper water 90 feet, when Gardner lost his hold. He drifted 10 feet farther, got hold of a tree, but lost his hold and was drowned. Mrs. Uzzel and Ralph were drowned. 39867-3328
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