Holland City News, Thursday, November 27, 1919

Spent His Life in Notable Activity; Served the Public in Many Capacities

A citizen highly respected and loved by all who came into contact with him during a long life, passed away Saturday shortly before the noon hour when death came to P. H. McBride, after a lingering illness, at his home 89 West 11^th Street.

Mr. McBride was born in Keene, Coshocton County, Ohio, near the city of Zanesville, on May 26, 1837. Early in the Civil War he enlisted as private, and he served until the end. His war record is one of the most thrilling of any veteran from this section. He was in the Second Ohio Cavalry, serving four years and three months. During that time he was in 93 battles and skirmishes, among them being the famous battles of Cedar Creek, Cold Harbor, the Wilderness, and Appomattox. He served under General Phil Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign and his company escorted Sheridan to Winchester on the famous occasion that was later immortalized in the well-known poem, "Sheridan’s Ride." His company was brigaded in the Third Cavalry Division under General Custer, a feat of which the whole company was very proud.

After the Civil War, he was mustered out as a First Lieutenant and Regimental Quartermaster, having worked up to that rank from a private. Three brothers also served in the Civil War and two of them died in the service. The survivors of the war in his family were himself and Capt. George W. McBride of Grand Haven. After the war, Mr. McBride was made a member of the "Loyal Legion of the United States," being the only member of this order in this city.

He served as Commander of the A. C. Van Raalte Post, G. A. R. for several years, and was appointed an Aide de Camp by Gov. Bliss to the late D. B. K. Van Raalte, when the latter was Departmental Commander of Michigan.

Some time after saying farewell to the life of a soldier, Mr. McBride entered the law school of the University of Michigan, graduating in 1874. Two years later he came to Holland and has made this his home ever since. He was at various times elected to the office of mayor, city attorney, member of the Board of Education, and president of the Park Board. He served Ottawa County as prosecuting attorney for six years.

His business career was as notable as his professional record. He was always interested in the growth of Holland and helped it along in every way possible, becoming affiliated with many of the leading concerns of the city. Such firms, such as the Holland-St. Louis Sugar Co., placed him on the board of directors and he showed himself a valuable asset to these concerns. He was a member of the board of directors of the Holland State Bank for more than a quarter of a century.

The deceased is survived by his wife; one son, Atty. C. H. McBride of this city; one daughter, Mrs. W. G. Cadwallader of Owosso; one brother, Capt. George W. McBride of Grand Haven; and one sister, Mrs. Helen Poole of Toledo, Ohio. The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock from the home, Rev. P. P. Cheff officiating.

Mr. McBride was one of the best loved men in the city. He was a gentleman of the old school, modest, upright, progressive and public spirited. His close friends venerated him and the wider circle of citizens gave him their deep respect and love for a staunch and beautiful personality and for a life of uprightness and service.

(Mr. McBride is buried in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.)