History: Accident - J. H. Marshall
Contact: Vickie

----Source: The Clark County Press Date::6-12-1875

An Accident One of the most painful accidents it has been ours to record befell our respected townsmen, Mr. J. H. Marshall, last Sunday morning near Wood’s Corners, about four miles west of this village. At this time the accident occurred Mr. Marshall and his family were out riding for pleasure and this unfortunate occurrence was caused by a tug becoming detached or the breaking of a whirrletree, which allowed the buggy-pole to drop to the ground, from which the horses took fright and ran a short distance, when the buggy was completely demolished, crushing Mr. Marshall’s right leg, below the knee, in a most frightful manner. Several persons were in sight at the time of the accident, and assistance was promptly rendered. The injured man was taken to his home by Mr. Carl Neverman, who happened to be passing with a team just at that time, and medical aid was summoned. An examination of the wound by Drs. Lacey, Crandall and French developed the fact that both bones were broken. One bone protruded several inches, making a frightful flesh wound. The fracture and wound, together with the feeble state of his health, made it a matter of serious consideration as to treatment it should receive. His chances for recovery hinge mainly upon his power of endurance. Amputation was regarded as his only chance, but it did not offer sufficient encouragement to warrant the operation. A careful regard for the welfare of their patient led them to seek the advice of Dr. H. B. Cole, of Black River Falls, a surgeon of eminence and undoubted skill in his profession, who born them out in that opinion. Dr. Cole’s first visit was made on Monday, and on Tuesday he returned to Black River Falls, to await the development of the case. On Wednesday Mr. Marshall’s general symptoms were much better and it was thought that by resorting to amputation his life might be saved. It was evident that he could not live long as it was, and Dr. Cole was again called, arriving on Thursday morning. A prolonged consultation, and thorough examination of the injury followed, resulting in the amputation of the limb. The operation was most skillfully performed by Dr. Cole, assisted by Dr. Crandall and Dr. Lacey a through examination of the injury followed, resulting in the amputation of the limb. The operation was most skillfully performed by Dr. Cole, assisted by Drs. Crandall and Lacey. It was first taken off below the knee, when it was found that the bone was shattered to such an extent that it was necessary to go above the knee. Both amputations were made in an incredibly short time, and his symptoms were quite promising after the operation. With ordinary vitality his chances for life would have been good, but on Friday he was pronounced worse, and little hope is entertained of his recovery. His death is liable to occur at any time. For several years past Mr. Marshall, in his person and family, appears to have been most unfortunate. About seven years ago he received an injury similar to the one that now threatens his life, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered, and this misfortune following close upon a lingering sickness, from which he had barely recovered sufficiently to enable him to be around, almost precludes the possibility of his restoration to health. Aside from slight bruises, no injuries were sustained by those who were with him at the time.