Groton Daily Independent Thursday, Jan 16, 1902 

DEATH OF GOTTLIEB KRUEGER 

The Most Remarkable Case of Constipation Known to Medical Science 

Gottlieb Krueger, age 37, died on Jan. 8, 1902, after an illness of about twenty hours. This is the case of constipation that many of the people in this vicinity of Groton have undoubtedly heard about. He went without a bowel movement for one year and three days. This is the longest time known in medical literature. On postmortem held by Drs. Geib and Jones it was found that his large intestine was of abnormal length being about 21/2 feet longer than normal. The circumference in some places 191/4 inches. The bowels were very much distended with gas. 

The year and three days period above referred to was from June 1900 to June 1901. For the first six months of the period he ate a hearty meal three times a day and went about his work, running a header during the harvest period. Later he was only able to do light work. During the past six months by the constant aid of physicians, he had been comparatively well, being able to attend to the light work about the farm. 

The postmortem indicated evidences of a malformation from birth, which was aggravated as he reached maturity. He had always been troubled more or less. The heart was higher than normal and the lungs showed evidence of compression. This being the most remarkable case of the kind on record, great care was taken to have the data kept straight, and no doubt much attention will be given it by the medical journals. 

These facts will undoubtedly seem incredible to many, but the foregoing statements can be proven by relatives, friends and physicians.  

 

 

 

 

~Transcribed by an extended family researcher, Kathy Smith