“Esther at the Well” Painting
When artist, Jennie Sue Hank passed away, “Esther at the Well” went to Jennie’s oldest sister, Jessie (Hank) McManigal. Jessie and her husband Frank S. had a daughter, who died in infancy, but no other children.
Frank had a sister, Effie (McManigal) Edwards, who died at the age of 32. Left to mourn her loss was her husband Charles and four little daughters, Mable Ethyl, Clara Mae, Effie Marie, Esther Ruth, and six-month-old Walter (Bud). As was a common practice in those days, when one parent died, the children were often raised by other family members.
Esther Ruth was five years old when she went to live with her uncle Frank and aunt Jessie McManigal. She stayed with them until adulthood.
Paul O. Brown (great nephew of America Delta [Brown] Hank), married Esther Ruth and they had four children: Pauline, Barbara, Shirley, and Neil. After Jessie’s death, “Esther at the Well” became the possession of Esther Ruth, and hung in her home for many years.
In 1969, when Esther Ruth passed away, her daughter Pauline came to have the painting which hung in her guest bedroom until 1986, when she and her sisters donated it to the Hot Springs County Museum, in memory of their parents.
The Museum is pleased to have this lovely painting, along with photos and extensive histories of the local pioneer families mentioned here.
