Dr. Ephraim McDowell, 1771-1830/McDowell-Crawford Surgery
Burial site of Ephraim McDowell, the “father of modern surgery.” His family moved here from Va. in 1784. He studied medicine in Va. and Scotland before practicing in Danville. In 1802, he married Sarah Shelby, dau. of Ky.’s first gov. Was also a founder & early trustee of Centre College. Over.
Presented by Ephraim McDowell Health
(Reverse):
McDowell-Crawford Surgery- Dec. 25, 1809, McDowell performed world’s 1st successful abdominal operation when he took a 22-pound ovarian cyst from Jane Todd Crawford of Green County. With no anesthesia, she sang hymns during the ordeal. She recovered in 25 days & lived until 1842. McDowell died in 1830 and is buried in the Presbyterian churchyard. Over.
Presented by Ephraim McDowell Health
Marker is on West Main Street east of College Street, on the right when traveling east.
Courtesy hmdb.org
