Walter A. Dorland, D. D. S., with office at No. 602 Pythian Temple, Grand Rapids, Mich., is a native of Halton county, Ontario, Canada, was born February 27, 1856, and is the eldest son of Amos and Sarah (Carrique) Dorland, natives, respectively, of New Jersey and Canada, and of whose family antecedents a full record is given in the biography of Dr. A. B. Dorland on another page.

Dr. Walter A. Dorland was educated in the high school at Waterdown, Ontario, and in early manhood began the study of dentistry in the office of Dr. Bowes, of Hamilton, Ontario. In 1880 he entered the Philadelphia Dental college, of Philadelphia, Pa., from which he graduated in 1882, with the degree of D. D. S. After passing a few months at home, he came to Grand Rapids, has been in constant practice here ever since, and is recognized as one of the leading dentists of the city. He is a member of the Michigan State Dental society and the Grand Rapids Dental society, was a member of the board of censors of the state society for two terms, and has also served as treasurer of the local society. He is likewise a member of the K. of P., in which he is chairman of the board of trustees, and has held official position of honor and trust in the same fraternity.

Dr. Dorland was most happily united in marriage, September 30, 1884, in Grand Rapids to Miss Mary L. Garfield, daughter of Hon. S. M. and Harriet E. (Brown) Garfield. The Hon. S. M. Garfield was a cousin of President James A. Garfield, came to Grand Rapids among the early settlers, first engaged in farming, and later originated the Grand Rapids Saving bank (of which his son, Charles W., is now the president), was for a number of years a member of the state legislature, and died in Grand Rapids, leaving one son and one daughter only.

Mrs. Mary L. Dorland is a graduate of the Grand Rapids high school, was cultured in music, vocal and instrumental, under Grand Rapids instructors, and is a lady of rare accomplishments. She has borne her husband two children, of whom the elder, Lynne, died in infancy, and Frances L. is now a bright little girl of six years. Dr. Dorland has been very successful professionally, and has realized a competency. He holds the controlling stock in the Pythian Temple company, of which he is treasurer, and in 1893 he constructed a four story brick block on Campau street, which yields a fine rental; he also owns a number of residence buildings, and building lots in the city, and the handsome home in which his family lives, all the result of his professional labor and his judicious investments. Mrs. Dorland is also heir to an extensive fortune now held by her mother, and enjoys, besides, a dowry from her father; her means are mostly loaned on real estate security.

In politics the doctor has been a stench republican ever since his coming to the United States, and his social standing is all that could be desired.