JOHN C. McBRIDE, one of the most progressive, influential and successful citizens of Robinson township, is descended from pioneer ancestors of Washington county. James McBride (the grandfather) left the Emerald Isle in early manhood, and coming to Washington county, Penn., settled near Miller's run, on some land which legally belonged to George Washington. When the latter discovered that his rights were endangered, he made known his claims to the property, and the immigrants were forced to evacuate that locality. They then moved to a tract of 240 acres in the northern end of the county, near which was erected the Associate church of Robinson in 1832 (now the U. P church), the patent for which tract of land was issued in 1786, and is still in the possession of our subject. This tract has since been the homestead of the McBride family. James McBride was married in Washington county to Miss Sarah Sprowls, and they settled on the farm in a small house which had been previously erected, but which was afterward burned by the Indians while the family were on a visit to their old home. Ten sons were born to this couple, all of whom lived to advanced age, namely: Francis, Nathaniel, Matthew, James, John, Isaac, Samuel, David, William and Alexander. The father was a Democrat, and a member of the Associate Church of Clinton, and was a member of one of three families who first formed the organization. William McBride was born in 1798 on the old homestead in this county, and followed farming from early boyhood throughout his active life. He was married to Martha Keys, who was born June 11, 1805, near Bulger, this county, a daughter of James Keys, and the following children blessed their union: James, born October 8, 1832 (now deceased); William, born October 24, 1836; Jane and John C. (twins), born March 27, 1840, the former married to John Purdy, and living in Allegheny county, Penn. The father of this family died October 22, 1878, the mother on February 4, 1875. Mr. McBride passed his entire life on the home farm, engaged in general agriculture and stock raising, proving an enterprising and progressive man. In his political affiliations he was a Democrat. John C. McBride was married December 30, 1874, to Elizabeth Galbreath, who was born near Candor, this county, a daughter of William Galbreath, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., born about tho year 1796. His father, Samuel Galbreath, was of Scotch ancestry, and was reared in eastern Pennsylvania. He early came to Allegheny county, where he carried on farming, an occupation he followed during the rest of his life. He married Nancy Gilmore, who bore him the following children: James, Robert, Annie, Nancy, Elizabeth and William. Samuel Galbreath was a member of the Noblestown U. P. Church. William Galbreath was thrice married: first time to Margaret Bingham, who bore him one child, Henry P.; his second wife was Esther Ewing, and by this marriage there were children as follows: Letticia E., Nancy G., Isabell C. (married to Thomas Munn), Samuel, Margaret B. (married to James G. Wilson), Esther A. (married to W. S. Bailey) and Elizabeth. For his third wife William Galbreath wedded Jane Bailey, who bore him one child, William, and she is now living with our subject and wife, at the patriarchal age of ninety-three years. William Galbreath died August 21, 1874. After their marriage John C. and Elizabeth G. McBride moved to a farm about three miles east of the old homestead, on which he has erected a fine dwelling house. One daughter has come to bless their union, Martha Keys, born June 1, 1877. Politically, Mr. McBride was identified with the Democratic party until of late years, since when he has been in sympathy with the Prohibition movement. He is a well-known, enterprising citizen, has filled various township offices, and has ever given his aid to enterprises tending to the good of the community at large. In religious faith he is a consistent member of the Robinson U. P. Church.

Text taken from page 1292 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed February 1997 by Neil and Marilyn Morton of Oswego, IL as part of the Beers Project. Published February 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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