On July 27, Mike McBride presented Leslie Boedicker, head librarian at Brockport’s Seymour Library, with a framed 1880 portrait of John Joseph “Exile” McBride. It will be permanently displayed on the wall in the library’s Local History Room.
Mike says, “Leslie and the staff of Seymour Library have been very helpful in promoting my great uncle.”
Exile devoted his entire life to passionately crusading for human rights, especially for Irish independence. His lifelong dedication for this cause gained the support of five American presidents.
Exile had become lost in history for over 100 years, until a DNA discovery in 2021. The McBride family is thrilled that their great uncle is finally receiving the long overdue recognition that he deserves.
Mike says the two years since the discovery have been amazing. He has gathered massive amounts of information on Exile. The material was found in over 1,500 old newspaper articles – written between 1880 and 1911 – not only throughout America, but also in Canada, England and Ireland.
In piecing together the history, Mike says, “Exile’s life story has all the makings of an action-packed adventure movie.”
Mike has given 12 PowerPoint slide presentations on Exile’s life and accomplishments in Buffalo, Batavia, Rochester, Syracuse and Utica. He is also writing a book on Exile’s life, which is about half completed. “Hopefully, the book will be finished before Christmas,” he said.
Exile had traveled for over 40 years throughout America and Europe, promoting human rights. However, it was not known until recently that he is actually buried locally in Brockport’s Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Numerous additional presentations are now being planned for the fall and winter, including another at the Seymour Library. All presentations are free of charge. More details will follow as the events are scheduled.
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