THEODORE F. GEROULD, M. D., one of the best known physicians and surgeons in
Centralia, has brought to the practice of his profession a well-trained mind of
natural ability, a sympathetic heart and warm human interest in the lives of
others. With such gifts, natural and acquired, it is no wonder that today he has
one of the largest practices in the city and the surrounding country.
Dr. Gerould was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on the 15th of September, 1879.
His father was H. T. Gerould, who came from an eastern family, being born in
Massachusetts. The grandfather of Dr. Gerould was Lyman Gerould, a native of New
Hampshire. Here he owned and operated a large woolen mill, but the attraction of
the great Northwest proved too strong for him, so he came out to Minnesota and
settled in Minneapolis. Later he bought some farm land near the city, and lived
the quiet life of a farmer until he died. His son H. T. moved to Cairo,
Illinois, in 1874, where he held the position of superintendent of the Gas and
Electric Light Company. After a time he went to Minneapolis, and moved from
there to Centralia in 1893. He died February 2, 1912. In politics he was a
Republican, and his religious affiliations were with the Episcopal church.
H. T. Gerould married Sophia Fleming, whose father had migrated from his
native state of Ohio in his youth and had settled in Cairo, Illinois. Here he
became cashier of a bank and in time acquired considerable wealth. Mrs. Gerould
was born in Ohio, and Dr. Gerould was an only child.
After the
completion of his preparatory work, Dr. Gerould attended the University of
Illinois, at Champaign, and then, having decided to make medicine his
profession, he entered Rush Medical College at Chicago. After completing two
years of the course offered at the latter institution he went to the Jefferson
College in Philadelphia, where he graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1901.
For a year he remained in the east, practicing at Wild Wood, New Jersey, then he
returned to the west and located in. Centralia, in 1902. In addition to the
large practice that he has built up from that time he has considerable surgical
work. He is surgeon for the Illinois Central Railway Company, for the Marion
Coal Company, and for the Envelope Factory. He has devoted all of his time to
the practice of medicine, and cares little for politics.
In his religion
he is a communicant and regular attendant at the Episcopal church. He is a
member of the Masonic Lodge and Chapter in Centralia, and also belongs to the
Elks, being past exalted ruler in the Elks lodge, No. 493. From 1904 to 1908 he
performed the duties of coroner.
Extracted 07 Nov 2017 by Norma Hass from History of Southern Illinois, by George W. Smith, published in 1912, volume 3, pages 1293-1294.