2281 Doctor Ephraim McDowell 1771-1830 McDowell-Crawford Surgery

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Marker reads, Burial site of Ephraim McDowell, the father of modern surgery. His family moved here from Virginia in 1784. He studied medicine in Virginia and Scotland before practicing in Danville. In 1802, he married Sarah Shelby, daughter of Kentuckys first governor. Was also a founder and early trustee of Centre College.Back of Marker- McDowell-Crawford Surgery- December 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 and lived until 1842. McDowell died in 1830 and is buried in the Presbyterian churchyard.