Coopersville Observer, February 8, 1929

Capt. George McBride, veteran of the Civil War, and for many years one of the best known men politically in Southern Michigan, died at his home in Grand Haven, Wednesday, January 30. Although in failing health during the fall, he was not confined to his bed except for one week and retained his interest in affairs up to the last.

Born in Soshocton, Ohio, September 26, 1845, he came with his parents to Deerfield, Michigan, where he spent his boyhood. Although but a youth of 16, tall and of military bearing even then, by giving his age as 18 he was able to join the Fifteenth Michigan Infantry, March 4, 1862. He served almost continuously, engaging in the famous battle of Shiloh, seeing heavy duty at Corinth and following Sherman on his victorious March to the Sea.

He was married in 1873 and in 1876 was elected prosecuting attorney of Ottawa County and for the next ten years made a record in cleaning up some of the worst gangs in Michigan. He ran for congress in 1886 but was defeated. From 1886 to 1890 he was collector of the customs in Grand Haven.

For more than fifteen years he has been more of less incapacitated, being stricken with blindness. His fortitude and bravery in meeting this affliction showed his character. During these many years, the loving devotion of his wife, who was "eyes" for him, enabled him to keep in touch with the world and his own community.

He was a lover of the best music, and not only did he enjoy it himself, but he tried to impart that love to others. Many of the graduates of Coopersville High School who were students here twelve of thirteen years ago will remember how Capt. and Mrs. Mc Bride came to the school and for an hour or more entertained the boys and girls with victrola records.

Funeral services were held Sunday at the home in Grand Haven, and burial was in Angola, Indiana.

One by one the ranks of the "boys in blue’ are being thinned as they answer their final roll call. Capt. Belknap and Capt. McBride, two of the best known, perhaps, of the veterans, have departed this life. Gregg Maxfield, one of Coopersville’s veterans has gone. It will not be many more years before the last Civil War hero will be laid to rest. Their memory, however, should remain fresh in our minds, and while we may, let us not forget to give the" flowers" to the living.