This article on the death of William P. Clapp was published on page 3 of the Nebraska Reporter and published in Seward, NE on April 22, 1875.

William Clapp Dies Under the Influence of an Anesthetic

For over four months past, William Clapp, who lives near the southern boundary in Butler county, some twelve miles northeast of here, has been suffering from chronic catarrh and a fibrous tumor that has been developing on the right side of his neck, which was threatening his mortal existence. Becoming emaciated and weak, and the tumor enlarging to a frightful degree, it was decided by Dr. L. Walker, the attending physician, that a surgical operation must be performed in order to save the patient from being choked to death. Accordingly Dr. Radman of Lincoln was summoned, and he, in company with Dr. Hastings and Walker, repaired to the house of Mr. Clapp last Friday to perform the operation. After examining the case, a consultation of the physicians was held at the house, and it was decided a most dangerous experiment to administer an anesthetic under the circumstances. The fatal abilities were explained to Mr. and Mrs. Clapp; but Mr. Clapp was ready and willing to take his chances, as he was convinced that it would only be a few days more of agony before he would be summoned hence if the operation was not performed as the tumor was already threatening to stop his breathing. Chloroform and ether was then mixed in equal parts by the doctors and given Mr. Clapp to inhale; after inhaling it a few moments he died from the effects of it. Thus another mortal existence was ended, after months of suffering, agony, and misery.

No blame can be attached to the doctors, as we are creditably informed that it would only have been a question of a few days before the hand of death would have ended the life of Mr. Clapp under the circumstances, and without a chance of recovering. In attempting the operation under such critical circumstances, he had at least one chance in ten of having the operation successfully performed and be placed in a condition for recovery.