Edward McGarry

Who was Edward McGarry?

Edward McGarry, officer in the Mexican American War, California politician and officer of California Volunteers in American Civil War, leading cavalry at the Battle of Bear River, later Colonel, of the 2nd California Cavalry, and Commander of the District of California, and received a brevet promotion to Brigadier General of Volunteers. After the Civil War he rejoined the U. S. Army as a Lt. Colonel.

Edward McGarry was a native of New York, who served as a Second Lieutenant in the Mexican American War with the U. S. 10th Infantry Regiment. He saw no action except as part of the garrison Army before the Peace took effect. McGarry left the Army and traveled to California after the end of he war and became involved in California politics serving as an Assemblyman from Napa County's 20th District from 1853 to 1854. Subsequently from 1854 to 1855, he was a State Senator from Napa, Solano and Yolo Counties. When the American Civil War broke out, he assisted in raising the 2nd Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry, serving first as a Major under Col. Columbus Sims.