The Monmouth Review of 31 January 1903 reported that Hugh Pearce, a son of Mr. and Mrs. George T. Pearce, accidentally shot himself in the stomach with a 22 caliber rifle at 8 o'clock that morning. The would was a very dangerous one and the friends have small hope of his recovery. The accident happened while the boy was trying to kill a chicken using the rifle as a club, on the home farm half a mile south of Biggsville. In some manner, the weapon was discharged and the would described above was inflicted. Hugh Pearce is about 13 years old and has many friends in Monmouth, where the family formerly lived. The Monmouth Review of 2 February 1903 reported the death of Hugh Pearce, 13 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. George T. Pearce on Saturday evening at 10:30 at the family home one mile south of Biggsville as the result of the accidental discharge of a 22 caliber rifle in his hand Saturday morning. The accident which resulted in the little fellow's death was a most peculiar one and from the very first, little hope of his recovery was felt. Early Saturday morning he took his rifle out and went to shoot a chicken. He shot once but did not kill it and then reloaded the gun. Instead of shooting again, he took hold of the gun barrel and used the weapon as a club. Somehow in swinging the gun, it was discharged and the bullet took effect just about the center of the stomach. The dangerous character of the wound was immediately recognized and the best medical attention was given to the suffering lad. Drs. Sherick and Mitchell of Monmouth were called to Biggsville and with Dr. Ralph Graham worked all day to save the little fellow but to no avail. For a number of years, Mr. and Mrs. Pearce made their home in Monmouth. The funeral services would be held at the United Presbyterian church in Biggsville the next morning and the interment made in the Olena cemetery.