The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1886-09-16
John Mcbride.
Democratic Candidate for Secre
Iary OF SIatc.-A Rrief sketch
OS HIS Past Life.

OA HIS PAST Life.
Iu 1852, Thomas Mcbride, an Irish
sailor, firing of his rowing life, moved
his household goods from Carlisle,
Cumberland county, England, which
fer Il number of years had been his
ostensibie residence. to America. The
family dFifted westward, and finally
located III Chippewa township, Wayne
county, this State, where Mr.. Mcbride
found work III the mines, and where,
two years later, was born to him and
his wife, Bridget, son, who is the
Democratic candidate for Secretary of
State. The father and mother were
worthy people, Injured to hard labor
and poverty, but God-fearing and self
respecting.
In accordance with the customs of
a mining country, young John was
put to work in the mines at a very
early age. A few terms at a country
school gave him what was thought to
be a sufficient education to meet such
responsibilities as he would ever be
called upon to assume. But the young
man was ambitious. The vigOr of his
mind and his strength of character, had
made themselves felt and recognized
by his colleagues long ere he was of
age.
At the age of 16 he joined the Miners
Union, and from that time gave his
most earnest thought to the improve
meDt of the condition of his class.
In 1874 occurred an event which did
much toward shaping the course of
his life. This was his marriage to
Miss Mary E. Kelly, most estimable
lady, and teacher in the public school
Of To hi inh ,NIn k,o 10
Brides had removed in 1859. She be.
came the inspiring genius of his life,
his teacher, mentor and friend. All
his leisure hours were spent in hard
study under the direction of his wife,
and thus the foundation of q good
practical education was laid.
Always a firm believer in the doc
trines of the Democratic party, in 1881
he became the nominee of that party
for the office of Representative, and
was defeated by only 63 votes.
In 1882 he was elected President OF
the Miners Union, in recognition OF
his fellow-labOrers. How well he dis
charged the duties of his Office Is wit
messed by his unanimous re- election
ON each succeeding year since.
In this position he was called upon
| to direct the affairs of men of many
| different nationalities, men proverbi-
ally headstrong and self f-willed, and
| much more apt to be governed by ca.
| price than guided by reason. That he
| has done wisely and we'll will be testi'
| fed to by the miners themselves next
November. Despite the long strike ol
1884 in the Hooking Valley, when the
| issue involved bocame the life of the
union, that organization is stronger
today than ever before in its history
| In 1888 Mr.. Mcbride again made the
race for the Legislature, and this time
was triumphantly elected, aud In 1885
be was one OF the few members Of the
Goth General Assembly who was re-
turned to its successor.
The course of Mr.. Mcbride in the
Legislature is well known to the pcO
pie of Ohio. He was early recognized
as the especial friend and champion
of the interests of labor, and the results
of his efforts are felt in factory, mine
And workshop. During all his careel
he has never had to apologize Tor word
or vote, and his record challenges
comparison.
Although the friend of labor, Mr.
| Mcbride has never been the enemy d
capital. He recognized that one was
essential to the other, aud demanded
only for those whose Dterasts he held
in trust, Justice. He was never al
extremist, and deprecates the use Ol
force 10 accomplish any end until all
other resources have failed.
His home life is as simple as 1t could
well be. By years of self denial and
rigid economy he has just succeeded
ia purchasing a home. 1t Is small
five room, story and a-half house
without the slightest pretense of or
namentation or architectural beauty
The front of the house il nearly CON
cealed by a huge apple tree, whose
fruit-laden branches nearly sweep the
ground The interior of the house cor
responds with the exterior, it being
very neatly but plainly finished. The
cleanliness that prevails everywhere
despite the fact tnat a railroad passes
on either side of the premises, speaks
volumes for Mrs. McBride's house
Wifely abilities.
The most conspicuous furniture the
house boasts is a large bookcase, th'
contents of which give one an index
of the tastes of the owner. Labor sta
tistics, the works of Henry George
volumes Oh political economy, etc
divide the shelf room with the work!
vi blChChoy 1hthChCla aJI S0iAioAC1 wi
vantes' Don QuixOte, the poems o
Moore, Burns and Longfellow. Thes,
are the books that catch the first glanc'
and seem to be first favOrites.
Four children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. McBride-Lydia, Kittie. Ed
ward and Joseph, aged respectivel.
10, z, aud /. Both Mr.. and Mrs
Mcbride are members of the CathOli,
Church. OF Mr.. McBride's persona
character, his neighbOrs speak il
terms of warmest praise. Even hi
political foes admit his worthiness a
citizen. He is quiet aud modest il
his demeanor, doing nothing upol
impulse. but giving every step careful
consideration. Faithful to his friend
courteous always to his enemies. II
is not an orator, but he talks straigh
at the understanding of his auditors
In al! Ohio no more worthy exampl
can be found of the self. made man.
Young,vigorous, receptive, each yea
his views broadened by experience am
trial, his capabilities Increased b.
newly acquired knowledge and ear
nest endeavor, he rises to every de
mand made upon him, and advance
more surely into the path of useful
| noSs onH diet inafinn