Taylor County, TX - Obituary - Dr. L.W. Hollis, Sr. **************************************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm **************************************************************************** The Abilene Reporter News October 16, 1931 Funeral services for Dr. L.W. Hollis, Sr., a pioneer in medical practice in West Texas and one of the sectionÕs best known physicians will be held from the family home, 242 Vine Street this afternoon. The early settler whose experiences in Jones and Taylor counties four decades ago were typical of the Òcounty doctorÓ who made any sacrifice to minister to those in suffering and hardship died Thursday at his home. He had been sinking slowly all day victim of a heart complaint that sent him to bed three weeks ago. He was 70 years old. Rites conducted by Dr. Millard A. Jenkens, pastor of the First Baptist church. Dr. Hollis, son of a Confederate surgeon, was born in San Augustine, Texas. He was a graduate of the Louisville school of medicine, and following one year of practice in Kauffman county, came west as a young doctor 23 years old. Coming to Jones county with his brother, W.H. Hollis, now living at Hawley, Dr. Hollis settled at Anson in 1883. At the time, the Texas & Pacific was extending west from Fort worth toward Abilene, W.H. Hollis being employed on the railroad. The pioneer physician practiced medicine and owned a drug store at Anson Òuntil the town burned upÓ Ð destroying his store and home Ð in the early 1890s, when he moved to Abilene. He was married in 1884 to Eva May Scott, daughter of T.S. Scott, a pioneer of Phantom Hill. The ceremony took place at her home. Dr. Hollis, in 1904, built the first sanitarium in this section, at Chestnut, Oak and South 11th streets, and operated it until it was destroyed by fire about 12 years ago. As a pioneer doctor his fame was widespread. He practiced in hundreds of West Texas homes, making the calls on horseback in the early days, in all kinds of weather and often going night and day, for in those days there were few doctors out here. In 1885, Dr. Hollis performed the first appendicitis operation of which there is a record, going to a ranch home near Anson and operating on a 15 year old girl for an Òabscess.Ó The operation was recognized two years later. Dr. Hollis retired from active practice five years ago, when his health became precarious. He served on the Texas State Board of health at one time. Dr. Hollis was an ardent sportsman, particularly big game and going annually for bear and deer, even last year. On year in the shinnery between Abilene and Anson he and friends killed more than 600 deer. That was before game laws had been enacted and back when the supply seemed limitless. He leaves his wife and four children, Mrs. M.B. Hanks of Abilene, Mrs. Marvin K. House of Big Spring, Dr. L.W. Hollis, Jr. and Dr. Scott Hollis of Abilene. His two sons followed him in his profession. The brother at Hawley and four sisters, Mrs. Mac Merchant of Abilene, Mrs. Max Andrews and Mrs. W.T. Russell of Oklahoma City and Mrs. Jim Skinner of Dallas survive. Laughter Undertaking is in charge of arrangements.