An experienced veterinarian who has distinguished himself by his original and successful methods is Dr. John A. McGarry of 158 Front street, Santa Cruz. He is a native of Wisconsin, and was born at Milwaukee on February 7, 1876. He attended the public schools of that locality and then entered upon collegiate work, being graduated from the Chicago University as a member of the class of ’96, when he received the coveted degree, M. D. C. While attending the University, he was a pitcher on the college baseball team and later, during 1896-97, was pitcher on the Pittsburg national baseball team.
Dr. McGarry then joined the army, as a veterinary surgeon for service in the Spanish-American war and had charge of the horses at Monatauk Point, Long Island. When hostilities were over he followed his profession in Milwaukee, where he was also a member of the city health department. In 1914, Dr. McGarry came to Santa Cruz, where he is still practicing, being also county quarantine officer of Santa Cruz county. He was very fortunate in his experience during the War with Spain when he was stationed at both Camp Douglass, Wisconsin, and Monatauk Point; and in this respect it is probable that the Doctor has an advantage over many colleagues who have had less varied experience.
Dr. McGarry has always taken active interest in athletic sports, and he was one of the organizers of the Santa Cruz Polo Team. As an Elk, he belongs to Lodge No. 824 at Santa Cruz. He has become widely and favorably known during his eleven years of practice in Santa Cruz and during this period has enjoyed a constantly increasing practice, while his skill and ability have gained him rank with the leaders of his profession in this part of the state.
Source: History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, California : cradle of California’s history and romance : dating from the planting of the cross of Christendom upon the shores of Monterey Bay by Fr. Junipero Serra, and those intrepid adventurers who accompanied him, down to the present day. Chicago: S.J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1925.