Typed as spelled and written – Lena Stone Criswell
THE MARLIN DEMOCRAT
Sixtieth Year – Number 101 (p3)
Marlin, Texas, Tuesday Morning, February 28, 1950
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FRANKLIN DOCTOR SAVES BULLET VICTIM’S LIFE BY
ADMINISTERING PLASMA ENROUTE TO A MARLIN HOSPITAL
IN AN AMBULANCE
The care and attention by Dr. Joe Sharp of Franklin in administering blood plasma to Mrs. N. D. Smitherman, age about 65, while the woman who was being brought to a Marlin hospital is credited by Marlin doctors and hospital attendants as likely sustaining her life.
The incident happened Wednesday following Mrs. Smitherman receiving a pistol bullet wound. The bullet entered her abdomen and ranged down into her leg and severed a vein. Her life was endangered by the loss of blood. The Franklin doctor accompanied the patient in the ambulance and administered plasma during the trip. Doctors stated Friday that Mrs. Smitherman’s condition was still regarded as serious but the patient was responding to treatment as well as could be expected.
According to reports from the Robertson county Sheriff’s office the victim was struck by a pistol bullet that was fired inside the Clarence Pierce home, located about 1 ½ miles northeast of Franklin on the New Baden road.
Reports stated that Mr. and Mrs. Smitherman and daughters had gone to the Pierce to help with some hog killing. During the noon hour members of both families were in a room in the house when two shots were fired in an adjoining room. One bullet is said to have struck in the ceiling of the room. Another went through two doors, glanced around the room striking the victim that caused her injury and lodged in her leg. The bullet had not been removed Friday morning due to its location and the condition of the patient.
In connection with the investigaton the Robertson county sheriff’s office reports a man is being held in the county jail there.
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