All five sons of James Going, Esq, M.D., of County Tipperary, Ireland, studied to become veterinary surgeons in the latter half of the 19th century. The lives of each of these energetic and entrepreneurial brothers provide a unique window into the evolution of the veterinary medical profession during this rapidly changing period in history when cities were growing, contagious animal diseases were emerging, and the United States was rapidly moving westward.

 

Follow James as he established a lucrative practice in New York City, enlightened sportsmen as Veterinary Editor of The Spirit of the Times, taught students, and marketed a line of “worm destroyer” patent medicine products for horses. In contrast, three of the other brothers, William, John, and Samuel, joined the army, each making significant contributions to the U.S. Cavalry service in Western states in controlling a glanders epidemic, caring for Comanche (a brave equine survivor of Custer's Last Stand), and championing better pay and recognition of the status of military veterinarians. Frederick, the fifth brother, chose a slightly different career path with the Royal Horse Artillery during the British Raj in India and at the same time became a winning jockey.

​

 

Meticulously researched by William’s great grandson, John E. Going, the stories of these unique Irish brothers tell a fascinating and
one-of-a kind story in American and veterinary history.