George Samuel Herod, Guelph, the senior medical practitioner in Guelph, was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, May 8, 1827, being a son of Rev. George Herod, of the Primitive Methodist church. He was educated at private and boarding schools in Mansfield and Birmingham; in November, 1840, came to Canada; studied medicine in the University of Toronto; was licensed to practice in 1847, by the medical board of the Province, and after practicing a few years at Georgetown, Halton county; settled in Guelph in April, 1845.
In his earlier years in his profession, Dr. Herod had many very hard rides. The country was thinly settled;there were but few villages and towns, and they wide apart; physicians and surgeons were scarce, and at one period his circuit extended over a radius of thirty miles. He has always been in general practice, and has had a liberal share, being the leading physician in Guelph for a quarter of a century, His acquaintance is extensive, and he is greatly esteemed for his excellent character as well as skill.
The Doctor has been a county coroner and jail surgeon since 1854; was appointed surgeon of the Wellington battalion on its organization, and held that position until he resigned; was in the town council several years; a member of the school board some time, and mayor of the town two terms.
He is returning officer for Saugeen and Brock districts for the Medical College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario; is a Master Mason and an adherent of the English church.
In 1863 he married Miss Margaret Sandilands, daughter of Thomas Sandilands, for many years manager of the Gore Bank at Guelph, and they have two children living, and have buried two.
The Doctor has reported a few interesting cases for medical periodicals, but has not published much in the form of essays. His time seems to be well taken up with his extensive practice and his readings. He is a well posted man in medical and surgical science.