John Joseph “Exile” McBride
Discovered through DNA!
This Irishman had escaped to America as a
wanted British fugitive, but became
a famous human rights crusader.
“His love of mother country and desire for her freedom from English rule, led McBride to become one of the most ardent advocates of freedom for Ireland.” (Ottawa Citizens Newspaper, 2/10/1911)
While recently researching our family ancestry, I discovered an unknown relative named John Joseph “Exile” McBride. I felt very honored and humbled to learn that I was related to an internationally known, human rights advocate. In 1864, Exile McBride escaped Ireland, after his planned rebellion against the ruling British government was discovered. He sailed to America and settled in Brockport, New York. “Exile” became his nickname. His parents and siblings soon joined him.
In 1866, Exile moved to Buffalo and became involved in the famous Battle of Ridgeway. He was captured but eventually released. Exile dedicated the next 40 years of his life traveling throughout the United States, seeking support for the oppressed and starving people of Ireland. He had worked with 6 American presidents who believed in his cause (Grant, Cleveland, Harrison, McKinley, Taft and T Roosevelt). Exile also met three times with Prime Minister William Gladstone of England, where he pleaded for Irish independence.
Exile proclaimed a universal message, that every human being was entitled to the same inalienable, God-given rights, such as life, liberty and freedom. Exile has been dead and until recently forgotten about, for 115 years. However, his noble cause is certainly very much alive and relevant today.
Born: Drogheda, Ireland – 2/3/1847
Died: Buffalo, N.Y. – 2/9/1911
Buried: Mount Olivet Cemetery, Brockport, N.Y. – 2/12/1911
May Exile rest in peace,
Mike McBride
Great-Nephew
For more info contact Mike McBride by email rocksham1@yahoo.com