Obituaries of People Buried at Gravel Wall (pre 1924)

Date of death: 20 Apr 1893

Subject: George Wesley Gibson

Source: Savannah Reporter, Apr 1893

People are astonished and frequently started 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 every 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 lodgement.  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.

Source: Savannah Reporter, next edition

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.