Dr. Alphonse Gerend

Dr. Alphonse Gerend was an influential archeologist and medical doctor. His interest in indigenous life and history led him to become a member of the Wisconsin Archeological Society. Several of the indigenous artifacts uncovered by Dr. Gerend are now on display at the Sheboygan County Historical Museum. Dr. Gerend is buried here at Calvary Cemetery, although his reputation lives on.

Born in Sheboygan on September 12, 1879, he was the youngest of eight children. His parents Jacob and Mary were considered Sheboygan pioneers. One of his brothers, John, was a cabinetmaker and undertaker, owning Gerend Funeral Home, where the Brandl couple (also featured on this tour) had their memorial service.

Dr. Gerend had a deep interest in Native American history from a young age. This love and appreciation would lead to many research and archeology expeditions. He became a member of the Wisconsin Archeological Society and contributed many articles to their publications. Dr. Gerend’s archeology excavations included the Native American burial mounds in Black River at Sheboygan Indian Mound Park. When more archaeologists came to study the mounds in 1927, they discovered an old soda bottle with a piece a paper inside that had his name and 1896 written on it. Proving he had already beaten them to the discovery!

As a side, fun fact: Thomas McNeill, who is featured on this tour, was also a member of the Wisconsin Archeological Society, and was a regular visitor to the burial mound digs happening in 1927.

Starting as a child, Dr. Gerend became known as an expert in Native American history. This was mainly due to his study and research of the tribes that once lived in the Sheboygan County area. He also spent his vacations living on Native American reservations, including the Potawatomi and Winnebago, and becoming close with tribal leaders to learn about their history and culture. 

Dr. Gerend is also known for his photography collection of Native Americans, many of which were taken during his time on reservations. The collection is now with the Wisconsin Historical Society. Besides donating his collection of artifacts to the Sheboygan County Historical Museum, he also contributed to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s Native American collection.

Although known for his Native American expertise, Dr. Alphonse Gerend was not a PhD, he was a medical doctor. Dr. Gerend graduated from Holy Name School, Sheboygan High School, and then Marquette University School of Medicine. Upon the completion of his medical degree, he practiced in St. Cloud, Cato and Milladore, Wisconsin. 

When World War I broke out, Dr. Gerend was commissioned as a first lieutenant with the 86^th medical detachment in Texas. He continued to practice after the war, and by 1929, he moved to the tiny Atlantic seaboard island of Deer Isle, Maine to become their town physician. 

Known for caring deeply about his patients, Dr. Gerend never charged those he knew were poor or in lesser circumstances. His practice was so highly regarded and popular in Deer Isle, that residents begged him to stay when he was forced to relinquish his duties because of his declining health.

When his brother-in-law discovered how sick he had become, he went to Maine and brought Dr. Gerend back to Sheboygan to live with his family in July 1940. He was hospitalized that following February. At that time, a petition arrived from Deer Isle asking him to return. Although unable to, he still managed to send prescriptions back to some of his patients, which is a testament to his never ending dedication, and love for the community.

On July 17, 1941 Dr. Gerend passed away at the Veterans Administration Hospital at Wood, Wisconsin. His love for sharing Native American history continued until the very end. He was in the process of writing a book on the history of the Red Painted People of Maine during the months he spent in the hospital. Parts of his collection of Native American History is currently on display at the Sheboygan County Historical Museum. 

Dippel, Beth. History Uncovered: Sheboygan County Indian Mounds, Sheboygan Sun. August 10th, 2022. Accessed October 27th, 2023. https://www.sheboygansun.com/history/history-uncovered-sheboygan-county-indian-mounds/article_d0964440-18da-11ed-9623-a3b72768f38d.html.

Dr Alphonse Joseph Gerend, Find a Grave. Accessed October 27th, 2023. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/61826837/alphonse-joseph-gerend.