Jacob H. Garey, one of the first physicians of Wilsey and the president of the Wilsey State Bank, was born Jan. 5, 1851, at Berlin, Somerset county, Pennsylvania, of fine old English and Irish stock. He was the eldest child of Nelson and Harriet (Zorn) Garey. His father was born at the same place, Sept. 24, 1820, and died there Jan. 10, 1910. Nelson Garey and Harriet Zorn were married April 17, 1850, and had six children—Jacob, Charles W., Harriet and Catherine, all of whom live at the old home town, and Emma B., widow of J. A. Ritter, of Meyersdale, Pa., and Margaret, wife of I. E. Krissinger, who has a home at South Bend, Ind. Jacob received his elementary education in the public schools at Berlin; graduated from the Commercial College at Pittsburgh and later received his degree of Doctor of Medicine from the Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, Pa. Immediately after graduating from the medical school Dr. Garey came to Kansas and located at Wilsey, when the population was only about 50. During those early days he met with all the discouragements and hardships incident to life on the frontier, but was filled with unbounded enthusiasm for his calling and thought nothing of walking five miles to call on a patient. His practice grew with the growth of the town, until he accumulated a comfortable fortune. He bought land as his means permitted, so that today he is a wealthy man. Dr. Garey was forced to relinquish his practice because of ill health, but was not content to retire from the arena of life at such an early age, and in 1902 organized the Wilsey State Bank, becoming its first president, which position he still holds. The institution is capitalized at $10,000, with a surplus and undivided profits of $15,000, and is regarded as one of the soundest banking houses in the state. Holding a considerable amount of stock, Dr. Garey became a director of the bank, and has devoted so much time to his professional work and business that he has never been able to hold office, except as local pension examiner. The Doctor is a Mason, a member of the Eastern Star, member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen of America. He has always been a public spirited citizen and an important factor in developing the industries of the town. He is a member of the first organization that developed the local natural gas supply, which furnishes the town with fuel. He has never married, but is one of the most popular citizens of both town and county.