Garis    

Portrait and Biographical Record ~ Pages

Kindly submitted by: Lea Nissley 

William E. Garis is one of the leading merchants of Easton, being proprietor of the finest furniture establishment in this place and manufacturer of the same. He makes a specialty of church, store and bank outfits, desks, office chairs, etc., and bar fixtures. The Garis family have been noted for the past one hundred and ten years and over for their skill as cabinet makers, and our subject is of the third generation in direct descent of men who have given the best of their lives to this trade.

                On the paternal side William E. Garis is of French and Irish descent, while on the mother’s side he is of German ancestry. His grandfather, Valentine Garis, had his home in Williams Township for many years, and died in South Easton. His son, Samuel, our subject’s father, was born in Williams Township, and was an exceptionally fine woodcarver, which business he followed until about thirty years ago, when he became interested in the general furniture trade in this city. For twelve years he was actively in business, but he is now practically retired. In local politics his is independent, while on national issues he votes with the Democratic party. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and for the past fifteen years has made his home in Philadelphia. By his marriage with Susan Eichman he had a family of ten children, all but one of whom are living, namely, William E., Irvin, Cornelius, Charles, Frank, George, Mary, Elizabeth, and Matilda. Helen is deceased. Mary is the wife of Edward Hess, of Camden, N.J. Elizabeth married Dr. C. Sommers, of Philadelphia, in which city Matilda also has her home. The maternal grandfather of these children, William Eichman, was one of the leading merchants and boat-owners of Easton in former years.

            The birth of our subject occurred in South Easton, September 26, 1849, and here he received a good public and private school education. In order to become familiar with business methods he entered Eastman’s Business College at Poughkeepsie, N.Y., thus laying the foundation for his subsequent career. Upon completing his studies he learned the furniture business, woo-carving, designing, etc., after which he went into his father’s store. At the end of about six or eight years he embarked in business for himself, and has certainly met with great success in his enterprise. The furniture turned out by his manufactory is of the most artistic and handsome designs. Some of their finest effects are comprised in their elaborate carved wood mantels, buffets, and large pieces of furniture, the designs of which are very original and exclusive.

            In 1872 Mr. Garis was united in marriage with Miss Ella L., daughter of Reuben P. Micke, a well known citizen of Easton. To our worthy subject and his estimable wife have been born five daughters, the youngest of whom, Helen, has been called by death from their home. The others in order of their birth are named as follows: Nan, Rosa C., Margaret E., and Florence C.

            Mr. Garis is certainly in no sense a politician, finding his time amply occupied in looking after his extensive business affairs, but on questions of national importance he sides with the Democratic party. Religiously he is affiliated with the Lutheran Denomination, being a member of the congregation in this city. He is master of his business in every detail and department, and gives his personal supervision to the work turned out by his employees.