Vigo County Historical Society

Dr. Charles P. Gerstmeyer one of state’s leading physicians

Dr. Charles P. Gerstmeyer was born Jan. 30, 1844, in Germany and moved with his family to the United States when he was 8 years old. His father was a physician.

Gerstmeyer studied medicine at Ohio Medical College in Cincinnati and received his medical degree in 1867. After a short practice in southern Indiana, he set up his practice in Terre Haute and continued working here for 56 years.

His scholarly attainments in his profession and his broad experience in his practice established him as one of the leading physicians of the state. He was a surgeon of considerable skill and had a very large practice.

He was a member of the medical staff at both Union and St. Anthony hospitals.

Dr. Gerstmeyer acquired a large private collection of materials of medical interests and had an extensive medical library containing works from various countries around the world.

During his career, her served as a health officer and as coroner. He had varied interests in the community and served on the school board.

Dr. Gerstmeyer had no children, he personally attempted to enhance the educational opportunities for schoolchildren, particularly vocational education. He contributed $1,000 to develop a vocational department in the city schools. He was a well-liked individual and had a wide circle of friends, among them Eugene V. Debs.

After a long illness, he died July 27, 1922, at the age of 78, leaving behind his widow.

Shortly before his death, Gerstmeyer Technical High School was named to honor him and his vision.

Many items of Gerstmeyer High School memorabilia and yearbooks are included in the Vigo County Historical Museum collection.

Dr. Gerstmeyer’s picture was taken from the book "Terre Haute, A Pictorial History" by Dorothy Jerse and Judith Calvert.