Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1891-04-06

HIS NERVE WAS GOOD.
A Man Who Had Both of His Legs Cut on
in six Big Slices.

New YORK, April "a man who the
doctors say possessed greater physical
courage than any one who ever came
under their observation was among the
victims of the grip who died this week.
His name was John Robollo and his
crippled figure has been familiar sight
for the past year or so on the west side
town.
One year ago Robollo was man in
rugged health, almost giant In
strength. lie was employed as block
cutter In a wall paper factory. More
than three years ago a bit Of brass Ill
! ing became lodged In some way in the
big toe OF his right foot. Inflamma-
tion set in, but Robollo would have
nothing to do with doctors. Blood poi
son, in a mild form, supervened, and Ro-
bollo. made up his mind that the toe
would have to come off. He performed
the operation himself without hinching.
There was some modification in the
member, so that the nerves were proba-
bly, partially dulled to pain. At all
events Robolo got toe off somehow,
aud lgatured it so as to control the
hemorrhage. A few weeks later Ro-
bollo was Obliged TO confess himself
poor surgeon. The Inflammation from
his wound spread, and gangrene set in.
Then he applied TO the surgeons at
Roosevelt Hospital for treatment.
They found it necessary TO take off the
entire foot Immediately.
Even that did not avail, and few
weeks later another amputatiOn was
made above the knee. He was dis
charged, apparently cured and he made
for himself, while convaescent, an in
genious artificial leg OF steel, with a
rubber foot attached. 1t was said to be
lighter and more serviceable than the
ordinary cork or wooden leg.
But the poison in Robollo's system
had apparently not been eXtermnated,
for three months after his discharge
from the hospital gangrenOus symptoms
appeared in the left foot, and he was
compelled again to go TO the operating
table This time the surgeons took off
the left leg at about the same point
where the other had been amputated.
Before he had recovered from that
operation the fatal blood poisoning re-
appeared in the stump OF the right leg
Then the surgeons were about ready to
give him up, for he had heart affec-
tion, which in his weak condition, rem
dered it impossible to administer an1s-
theticS without certainty OF death. 1t
was therefore decided not TO operate.
When the situation was explained TO
Robollo he insisted that the operation |
should take place without anesthetics.
He did not care for the pain, he said,
and the surgeons might 20 ahead as fast |
as they pleased. He was so determined |
in the matter that the doctors decided |
to try it. They took off the right leg at |
the hip joint, and RObollO not only bore |
it without fainting or shrinking, but he |
grimly watched the surgeons at work, |
but even attempted 10 assist them in |
some details. The doctors said it was
the most wonderful exhibition OF en-
durance they had ever witnessed. Even |
this was not tie end OF the poor fel- |
lows SufferngS. No sooner had he |
partially recovered from the last awful
experience in the surgeons hands than
the same condition OF things presented
itself in the left leg. That also was
was taken off at the hip joint in the
same way. Robollo lived through IL.
His wonderful pluck never deserted
him for an instant. He got well, and
nearly two years ago he was discharged
well.
He retained his health until attacke d
by the grip about two weeks ago, and
the disease finally conquered him. lie
had a comfortable little property Of his
own, and he earned partial living by
selling trinkets, His physical suffer
ings never conquered his good spirits,
for he was always the soul oi good ma
ture. He never tired of cracking his
favorite joke when asked how he wa 5
doing in business or otherwise his reply |
always was, "Oh, | can't kick"