Garber was born on his families farm "Floral Retreat" near
Columbia, Pennsylvania January 23, 1838. After graduating he took up the position of Assistant Resident Physician at the
Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital where he worked until 1875 when his
tuberculosis forced him to quit. and a herbarium are named for him.
Garberia was named after him in recognition for his contributions to the knowledge of the flora of Florida. Other plants include
Coccothrinax garberi ,
Convolvulus garberi,
Eugenia garberia,
Euphorbia garberi,
Fissidens garberi,
Habenella garberi,
Laciniaria garberi,
Salvia occidentalis garberi,
Sphagnum garberi and
Thrinax garberi. He returned to his home in
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania June 1881 and he died August 25, 1881, on the way back home after a trip to the mountains of north-central Pennsylvania. He was buried in the family graveyard in Forrey Graveyard, West Hempfield Township, Lancaster County. ==References==