Kerley, Thomas B.
Thomas B. Kerley attended The College of Physicians and Surgeons
in Keokuk, Iowa. He graduated in 1888 receiving his Illinois State
License in 1889. This license was filed in Pope County in 1896
from Johnson County. He practiced primarily in the Simpson area
including the nearby Glendale community in Pope County.
The following obituary was read at the funeral of Dr. T. B. Kerley:
Dr. Kerley, commonly known to hundreds as Dr. Bas (Baiz) , has
answered his final call.
He was the son of James L. and Mary McKee Kerley, born in Simpson
Towship May 14, 1865, and life took its flight June 27, 1941 at
his home in Simpson at the age of 76 years, one month and 13 days.
On March 18, 1886, he entered the sacred bonds of matrimony with
Mary Elizabeth Simmons and four sons were born to this union.
In the fall of 1886 Mr. and Mrs. Kerley went to Keokuk, Iowa,
where he entered a medical school and remained until his graduation
in 1888. They then returned home and Dr. Kerley, with a sincere
interest and love for his people began his life's work of untold
service to fellow man. Dr. and Mrs. Kerley were among the first
residents of Simpson and together they have given financial, physical,
moral and spiritual aid to those who came and went. Dr. Kerley
was a physiologist, as well as a physician and his great love
for humanity made him able to see deep into the hearts of man,
and his broad understanding of farming and banking gave him intellectual
power to advise people in all fields of life, until we truly feel
he was the father of our village.
In 1910 he was made president of the First State Bank of Simpson
and in that capacity served in a most able manner until it was
liquidated in 1934 without loss to any depositor. He then became
a director of the First National Bank of Golconda and later became
vice-president, serving that office until his death. Honest, square
dealing was the basic law of his business life and his equitable
toward all gained great respect and admiration throughout Southern
Illinois.
The darkest cloud of sorrow came to the home of Dr. Kerley in
1918 when their son, Lindolph R., while in service of the U.S.
army, during the World War, lost his life in France.
In 1938 Dr. and Mrs. Kerley celebrated their golden wedding anniversary
and rejoiced with the members of their family. In 1938 the Illinois
Medical Association gave a banquet at Golconda and Dr. Kerley
was presented the 50 year service medal by the Illinois Medical
Society. He was a worthy member of Gurney Masonic lodge for the
past 55 years, also a member of the F. W. A. of Simpson.
As a wise Shepherd caring for his sheep, so Dr. Kerley has cared
for us, giving his life as a sacrifice on the altar of our community.
He will not be forgotten, for his name, his deeds and his memory
will be as legible on our hearts, as the stars on the brow of
the evening sky. He gave his best for us, he will remain a part
of Simpson, ever to be cherished and honored. He became a Christian
in manhood and while he never affiliated with any church, he portrayed
the attributes of Christianity.
His medical career closed about four years ago, when failing health
would not permit further practice. Still he remained our counselor
and guide, ready to administer to our needs, whether it be a bit
of humor to make us think or an inspiring thought to give us courage.
Few communities have a Dr. Kerley and no words can enumerate what
he has meant to us.
He leaves to mourn his passing a loving companion, three sons,
Dr. Granvil L. Kerley, of Topeka, Kans.; Delbert R. Kerley, of
Santa Anna, California; Ollen R. Kerley, of Golconda; and one
half-brother, A.G. Kerley, of Simpson; four grandchildren, many
business associates, relatives and friends who gaze awe stricken
into a future without our leader.