WI BIO - Dane Co - GERARD, Era H.
Biographical Review of Dane County, WI. Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co. 
1893, Vol I, pp 268-269

Era H. GERARD, a lumberman of Dane County, WI, was born in Sparta, Middlesex 
County, Canada, 09 Mar 1850, a son of Norman and Jane L. (BROWN) GERARD, 
natives of VT and NY, respectively. When our subject was six months old, the 
parents removed to Winnebago County, WI, where the father engaged in 
lumbering. The mother [p 269] died in 1861, and the father now resides at 
Centralia [now Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County], WI.

Era H. GERARD attended the common schools, and after completing his education 
began work in a shingle mill at Appleton [Outagamie County], WI. Two years 
later he was employed in his father's store at Omro [Winnebago County], WI; 
two years afterward took charge of his father's shingle mill; and in 1872 
began the lumber business in Wood County, WI, having erected two mills there. 
In 1880 Era H. GERARD began business independent of his father, opening a 
retail lumber trade in Webster City [Hamilton County], IA; in 1881 sold out 
and went to Austin [Mower County], MN; three years afterward embarked in the 
same business in Centralia [now Wisconsin Rapids, Wood County], WI, and in 
1886 came to Stoughton [Dane County], WI. He now conducts a general sash, 
door, blind, and lumber trade.

Era H. GERARD was married 28 Apr 1872 to Harriet M. GROUT, then of Omro, 
Winnebago County, WI, but a native of Canada. She is a daughter of E. O. 
GROUT, engaged in the mercantile business. Era H. and Harriet M. (GROUT) 
GERARD have two children: Ora B., aged 17 years; and Milo C., aged 6 years. 
Era H. GERARD is a Republican in his political views, but has never sought 
office. Socially he is secretary of Kegonsa Lodge of Stoughton.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly