Joseph S. Gibson
July 28, 1892
Arizona Silver Belt

On last Saturday, July 16th, Mr. Joseph S. Gibson, a well known 
citizen of Gila County, residing near Payson, whilst threshing 
wheat on the farm of J. Hocker, on the Salt River, was so 
unfortunate as to slip and catch his left leg in the cogs of 
the horse-powered thresher. The limb was terribly mangled and 
torn, from a short distance below the knee to the ankle.  He 
was immeditately taken to the home of Peter C. Robertson and 
a messenger dispatched to Globe for Dr. Collins.

It was fully 12 hours before the doctor could reach the patient 
and relieve him of the agony he suffered from the injury.  
After examining the patient, the doctor decided that the only 
hope was an amputation below the knee.  To this Mr. Gibson 
readily gave his consent and after due preparation the leg 
was taken off. Mr. Gibson rallied very quickly from the 
operation and seemed in good spirits and looked forward to 
the arrival of his wife who had been sent for upon the 
reception of the injury.

It ws then decided upon to bring Mr .Gibson to Globe where he 
could receive the proper after-treatment of the stump, so 
essential to the recovery of cases of this nature.  A wagon 
was prepared with a spring mattress, when accompanied by his 
wife, two sons, and Dr. Dunlop, Mr. Gibson was brought to 
Globe.  He stood the hard trip so well that a successful 
termination of the operation was looked for.  The amputation 
looked healthy and every indication pointed to his immediate 
recovery.

The improvement in the case ontinued until Thursday monring 
when symptoms of secondary shock set in by chills and profuse 
sweating.  Every measure was taken to rally the patient but he 
gradually lost strength and courage.  However, towards 
nightfall he fell into a slumber and rested easily until 
about midnight of Thursday when his breathing became harder 
and he called for his wife.

He realized that his hour had come and wanted and longed for 
the presence of the one person who had been all in all to him 
throughout his busy and industrious life.  After his wife came 
into the room he became less restless and held her hand until 
he gradually sank into the "sleep that knows no breaking."

Too much cannot be said of Mrs. Gibson's courageous bearing 
throughout the trying ordeal.  

The time for the funeral has not been set awaiting the arrival 
of the rest of the family who are expected here this evening.

July  30, 1892

The funeral of Joseph S. Gibson, whose untimely demise was noted 
in these columns last week, took place on Saturday evening last.  
In the presence of the bereaved family and a large assembly of 
friends, Elder Rogers pronounced the funeral service of the 
Mormon Church.  Appropriate music was rendered by the volunteer 
choir.  The services both at the house and grave were impressive.

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