CHARLES MCBRIDE. - Charles McBride, superintendent of streets in Springfield, was born July 26, 1861, and is a son of Charles and Margaret (Gallagher) McBride, natives of Ireland. The father, emigrating to America, took up his abode in Springfield in the ‘40s, when this was a village. He was married in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and after coming to Springfield he followed contracting in this city for many years. His death occurred August 8, 1893, and his widow still resides at the old home at No. 400 West Adams street, at an advanced age. They were the parents of eight children, but five daughters died during the cholera epidemic in Springfield. Edward McBride, the brother of our subject, married Nora Greely, who died leaving several children.

Charles McBride obtained his education in the public schools of Springfield and in St. Mary's Catholic school. At the age of fourteen years he started out to earn his own living and was employed at farm work until twenty-two years of age. He then secured a position in the weaving department of the woolen mills of Springfield, where he remained for several years. In January, 1894, he was appointed custodian of the state house under the Democratic secretary of state, W. H. Hendrickson, and filled that position for four years and six months. After leaving the state house he established a merchant's transfer business, in which he continued for a few years, and in May, 1903, he was appointed to his present position by Mayor H. H. Devereux and has since been superintendent of streets.

Mr. McBride can remember when Springfield streets, all unpaved, were almost bottomless mud , for though the rich prairies of Illinois make excellent fields for production of grain, they do not make good highways of travel, especially in the rainy season. At that time the old court house stood where the First National Bank is now seen and the district in which Mr. McBride resides was largely a cornfield, few residences having been built in that now populous portion of the city. When he entered upon the duties of his present office he found the streets in a vary bad condition, but he has devoted his attention with untiring energy to the work connected with his position and he now keeps a group fo about fifty men constantly employed, working day after day in cleaning and improving the streets, which are now a credit to the city and a proof of his capability and fidelity in office. Mr. McBride is also serving as a member of the board of local improvement.

In Springfield occurred his marriage to Miss Lizzie Dresch, a native of this city, the wedding having been celebrated February 8, 1899, in the Catholic church, and they are both members of that religious organization. Mr. McBride gives his political allegiance to the Democracy and takes an active part in its work. As the years have advanced he has acquired three houses in Springfield, one of which is the old homestead at No. 400 West Adams street, while the other two adjoin that property. He has witnessed many changes here, for he can remember when Springfield was little more than a village, but as the years have gone by he has seen its transformation into a metropolitan city with all modern conveniences and improvements. Upon memory's wall hangs many pictures of the early days and also of the progress that has been carried on, and no one takes a more just or commendable pride in what has been accomplished in Springfield than does Mr. McBride, and his interest in the city is indicated by his faithfulness in the office which he is now filling.