 |
|
Emeritus Consultants Biographies
Henry Kelsall was born in Nani Tal, India on June 4th 1865, the son of Surgeon-Major Henry Kelsall and Annie nee Milne. He was educated in England at the United Services College, Westward Ho and studied medicine at the London Hospital graduating MS in 1885 and MD with Honours in 1888. He did his residency at Moorfields Hospital and then joined the Royal Navy. He resigned from the Navy to take a position as medical officer with the North Sea Fishing Fleet. Henry Kelsall came to Australia in 1900, took up general practice in Roebourne and was later appointed Resident Medical Officer there. He then moved to Perth where he developed a large private practice and concentrated mostly on eye work eventually devoting all of his time exclusively to it. He was appointed Honorary Ophthalmic Surgeon to the Perth Hospital in 1902. He had the reputation of being a man of tireless energy being a member of the Perth Hospital Board, a Foundation Member of the Western Australian Branch of the British Medical Association and one of its first Presidents. Henry Kelsall was a Member of the State Medical Board from its inception and was for many years its chairman. In 1902 he married Blanche Edith Leake, daughter of Judge George Walpole Leake QC. They had four children two sons and two daughters. George studied medicine and followed his father in being appointed to the Honorary Consultant Staff at the Perth Hospital. Henry had many interests outside of medicine. A keen sportsman he played A grade tennis, hockey and cricket and was at one time President of the Perth Rifle Club. He was a trustee of the Museum, Public Library and Art Gallery. Interestingly he was a contemporary and lifelong friend of Rudyard Kipling. He retired to his farm near Moora but with failing health he retuned to Perth and settled in Cottesloe. Henry Kelsall died at the age of 67 in May 1932. |
