Near Edom in Rockingham County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Jessee Bennett
17691842
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 2, 2010
1. Dr. Jessee Bennett Marker
Near Edom, Virginia, on January 14, 1794, in a heroic effort to save his wife, Elizabeth, and child, Dr. Jessee Bennett performed the first successful Caesarian section and oophorectomy to be done in America.
Erected 1983 by the Linville-Edom Extension Homemakers Club, Rockingham County, and the Virginia Historic Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number A-59.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 14, 1794.
Location. 38° 31.367′ N, 78° 51.7′ W. Marker is near Edom, Virginia, in Rockingham County. It is on Harpine Highway (Virginia Route 42) near Jesse Bennet Way (County Route 859), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Linville VA 22834, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Edom United Methodist Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Bridge (approx. Ύ mile away); Breneman-Turner Mill (approx. Ύ mile away); a different marker also named Breneman-Turner Mill (approx. Ύ mile away); George Chrisman House
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Breneman-Turner Mill (was approx. Ύ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Also see . . . The Doctor that History Almost Missed. “The only two things that could be done was either a Caesarian or a Creanitorian operation. Mrs. Bennett felt that either would be death for her, but that the life of the baby might be saved by a Caesarian Operation, so she begged for them to try to save the babys life, even if she had to die. So it was up to the young doctor, husband, and father, to decide what to do. Remembering his resolution when he first hung out his shingle, that he would attend the sick, in good or bad weather, night or day, rich or poor, and do all he could to relieve pain and aches. In an instant his decision was made, save both if possible, and he would.
“A crude operating table was made, by bringing in two barrels, and placing two boards on them for a table. Mrs. Bennett was given a large dose of laudanum, to make her sleepy, and then
Photographed by J. J. Prats, May 2, 2010
2. Dr. Jessee Bennett Marker
“Then young Dr. Bennett, with one long sweep of the knife, laid open the abdomen of his wife, and removed the baby. The wound was then closed by sewing it with stout linen thread, such as was used in the pioneer home to sew heavy clothing. Much to the surprise of every one, both mother and baby lived. Thirty-six years later, April 20th, 1830, the mother died, and was laid to rest a short distance from Riverview, the home she loved so well.” (Submitted on May 4, 2010.)
Additional keywords. cesarean section, C-section, ovariectomy
Credits. This page was last revised on September 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,734 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 4, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
