John Tanner's survival after being knocked on the head

On October 30, 1838, during the Missouri militia's advance on Far West, John Tanner and his 12-year-old son, Myron, were working at a grist mill several miles from their home when they were intercepted by a militia patrol. Sensing danger, John instructed Myron to flee; the boy successfully escaped into the brush, from where he watched the encounter. The militia captain, Myer Odel, attempted to shoot John Tanner, but his firearm misfired. Enraged by the failure, Odel struck Tanner on the head with the butt of his gun. Although a heavy felt hat partially cushioned the blow, the strike was severe enough to lay his skull bare for the width of a man's hand. Tanner was taken prisoner and held in the militia camp, where he lay for several hours in what appeared to be the agonies of death. Later, Tanner was released by the permission of General Alexander Doniphan, specifically on the condition that he transport a mortally wounded fellow Latter-day Saint, William Carey, back to Far West. Carey, who had been accosted by the same patrol and suffered a similar skull-shattering blow, died shortly after reaching the city. Tanner survived his injuries and eventually recovered under the care of William E. McLellin.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

On the 30th of October, 1838, I was at the grist mill, several miles from my home, with my son Myron, a boy of twelve years. We were intercepted by a company of the mob, who were on their way to Far West. I told my son to run, which he did, and escaped into the brush, from which place he saw all that happened. The captain of the company, whose name was Myer Odel, presented his gun to shoot me, but it missed fire. He then struck me on the head with the breech of his gun. I had on a heavy felt hat, which saved my life, but the blow laid my skull bare for the width of a man's hand. I was taken prisoner and kept in the camp for several hours, and was in the agonies of death. General Doniphan, who was in command, gave orders that I should be released, on condition that I would take a man by the name of William Carey, who had been knocked on the head by the same company, and was then in a dying condition, and take him to Far West. I did so, and he died shortly after we reached the city. I was taken home, and through the blessing of the Lord, and the care of Dr. William E. McLellin, I slowly recovered.