Cliff, John W. d. 1907

CLIFF

Posted By: Barbara Hug (email)
Date: 2/24/2005 at 00:52:18

John W. Cliff, who formerly resided in Newton, and was at one time county superintendent of this county, died at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines yesterday. He underwent an operation last Thursday for the amputation of his right leg just above the knee, without the use of anesthetics. This is said to be the first case in Des Moines where amputation of a limb has been made without placing the patient under the influence of drugs.

On account of his serious condition, it was not thought safe to use drugs in the operation, at it is stated that he not only withstood the ordeal very satisfactorily, but during the operation talked with the surgeons, as they worked. ~ The Newton Daily News, Newton, IA, Tuesday, March 5, 1907, Page 4, Column 3