A difficult piece of surgery successfully performed

By Dr. Dave Bryant of Savannah


George Wesley Gibson of Benton Township, this county, carries the bullet
ever since the Battle of Lone Jack.

People are astonished and frequently startled at the wonderful progress that
science is making from day to day. A hundred years ago, the great
statesman, Carnot, upon examining a certain invention, said to the
inventor: "Bring to me that man who dares to do what God Almighty
cannot-tie a knot in a stretched string."

The most difficult and most scientific surgical operation ever attempted in
Andrew County was successfully performed Wednesday by Dr. David
Bryant of our city and assisted by Drs. W.H. Bryant, Bennett, Burtch and
Parks.

About thirty years ago at the Battle of Lone Jack, Wesley Gibson, who
lives about six miles Southwest of Bolckow, was shot in the head, the
bullet going thru the skull and finding lodgment. The aperture made by the
bullet healed in the course of time, and Mr. Gibson, while suffering
considerably at frequent intervals, had been able to follow the pursuit of
farming with success. About two months ago, however, he had a stroke of
paralysis and since that time has had several convulsions. The physicians
in attendance concluded that his serious condition arose from the pressure
of that bullet upon the brain, and that the only hope of prolonging his life
beyond a few hours, or days at most, was to repine or cut into the skull and
extract the bullet.

Dr. D.B. Bryant was selected to perform this most difficult and dangerous
operation, which he accomplished in a manner that demonstrates the fact
he is possessed of superior skill in his profession.

He cut out of the skull a circular section about one half inch in diameter
and found the bullet, which had been very much flattened, encrusted or
enclosed in a sack which had grown around it. Mr. Gibson’s condition is
very serious but his chance of life is much improved by the removal of the
bullet and hopes are entertained for his recovery.

Too much credit cannot be given to Dr. Dave Bryant for his surgical skill
and being the youngest physician in the county for years, we predict for him
a brilliant future.

The Savannah Missouri Reporter; April 1893

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OBITUARY

George W. Gibson was born in Kentucky June 9, 1837 and came to
Missouri when a boy with his parents. Was married to Mary E. Violett
April 25, 1865. Nine children were born to them, of whom eight survive, two
sons and six daughters. In 1870 he settled on a farm near Rosendale. He
died at his residence April 20, 1893 at 6 o’clock P.M. Funeral services were
held at the Baptist Church at Gravel Wall April 21st. Rev. John H. Best
conducting the services.

The Savannah Reporter; the next issue