My Genealogy Hound

FRANK A. GARIS, M. D., is a very successful young physician of West Bethlehem, being a practitioner of the homeopathic school, and very popular in all circles. He comes of an old and respected family, his ancestors for several generations having been merchants and manufacturers. His father, Samuel Garis, was a cabinet-maker, and for some time had a factory in Easton, but later engaged in farming in Talbot County, Md., and is now a resident of Philadelphia. The family in former years were members of the Lutheran Church, but the father now attends the Cookman Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, of which he is a member. His wife, formerly Susan Eichman, was born in Easton, and was of German descent. In their family of eleven children, ten grew to maturity, and all of these are still living.

Dr. Garis was born in Easton, February 11, 1867, being next to the youngest of the family. He was reared in his birthplace, and attended the common schools until twelve years of age, when, with the family, he went to Maryland, and for three years lived upon a farm. His education was obtained principally in Philadelphia, in the excellent public schools of that city. Having a decided taste for medical studies, he concluded to adopt this field of work as his own, and commenced reading with Dr. B. W. James, who is Professor of Physiology in the New York Women’s College.

In 1886 the Doctor entered Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, and for three years faithfully pursued the required course, graduating in April, 1889, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He made a fine record in the college, graduating with the highest honors of his class, which comprised sixty-nine students. This was the more remarkable, as there was but one younger than he in the class, and probably one reason for his high standing was owing to the fact that he had an excellent preceptor. With him he continued in practice until January, 1890. At that time, having acquired a good practical experience, he came to West Bethlehem, being the first homeopathic physician to locate here, and has since been successfully engaged in general practice, having his office at No. 220 Broad Street.

One of the charter members of the West Bethlehem Building and Loan Association, Dr. Garis shows his interest in the upbuilding of the place in this, as he has also done in other ways. He is physician for the county poor of this district of Lehigh County. At present he is a member of the Board of Health, to which he was elected for a term of five years, and is the only physician connected with the same. He belongs to the Order of Sparta, of which he is Medical Examiner, and also to the Lehigh Valley Homeopathic Medical Society, of which he was Vice-President for one year. Politically he deposits his ballot and uses his influence in favor of Democratic nominees and principles.

April 12, 1894, was celebrated the marriage of Dr. Garis and Miss Esther, daughter of George Shimer, of West Bethlehem. Mrs. Garis is a native of Milton, Pa., and is a lady of good education and culture. The Doctor is an active member of the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and at the present time is serving as Secretary of the Sunday-school.