To my amazement, Exile had been a famous, internationally known, Irish Freedom Fighter. When I inserted “Exile McBride” in old newspaper searches - between 1880 and 1911 - over 1,200 articles came up, from all over the United States, Canada, England and Ireland! Even more incredible was the fact that over 1,000 of these articles were from Buffalo! Exile had actually become a household name in Buffalo around 1900. The articles frequently had headlines such as “Exile visits Roosevelt”, Exile addresses U. S. Congress” or “Exile meets with Prime Minister Gladstone in England”.
The life of Exile reads like a action-packed adventure book! In fact, I am now writing his biography. As a teenager, he took part in planning a rebellion in Dublin, Ireland, to overthrow the tyrannical British government. However, the British became aware of the plan and Exile had to escape from Ireland, or face a lengthy prison sentence in Australia.
After a short stay in France, he exiled to America, the origin of nickname. Exile then traveled down the Erie Canal, finally settling in Brockport, NY. He became involved in the popular new field photography, learning the skills to create and market photo images. Exile was able to raise the money needed to have his parents and siblings, living in Drogheda, Ireland, join him in Brockport.
In 1866, Exile moved to Buffalo and became involved with the Fenian Army in the famous Battle of Ridgeway. The Fenians were composed of former Civil War soldiers of
Irish decent - from both the North and South - who actually joined forces and attacked Canada! Since Canada was a member of British Commonwealth, the Fenians had hoped to capture major Canadian cities and then release them when the British finally moved out of Ireland. According to numerous Buffalo newspapers, Exile led the troops into battle as a 19 year old flag bearer. He soon became captured, but was later released through the influence of Buffalo’s Bishop John Timon and Erie County DA, Lyman Bass.
For the next 40 years, Exile traveled throughout the United States and Europe, fighting for the cause of Irish freedom. He not only promoted civil rights for Ireland, but all humanity. During this time, he worked with 5 United States presidents (Cleveland, Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft). Exile was especially close to Theodore Roosevelt. He addressed the United States Congress, the National Conference of Catholic Bishops and often spoke at political conventions throughout the country. He also promoted his cause as a writer in various newspapers and would distribute 1,000's of copies of his own publications at public events.
Exile marveled at the Declaration of Independence and how the United States had gained freedom from British oppression, 100 years earlier. This was precisely his lifelong dream and passion for Ireland. On one occasion, as Exile and his cause grew in popularity, the British government actually sent undercover Canadian detectives to Buffalo, in an attempt to kidnap him. Although Exile was tied up and injured, he was still able to escape with the help of some friends.
Exile frequently organized petition campaigns for Irish independence, obtaining massive numbers of signatures. The signers included America’s most influential citizens, such as governors, senators, members of the supreme court, bishops, cardinals and U.S. presidents.
Acting like an ambassador, Exile sailed to England on 3 occasions and met personally with Prime Minister William Gladstone. In his negotiation efforts, Exile would bring with him large numbers of the signatures to reinforce his cause, as he pleaded with Gladstone to end British tyranny in Ireland. In his final visit, Gladstone did express some willingness to take action and even let Exile stay in his famous Hawarden Castle (See Google). However, the British Parliament remained in firm opposition. Exile zealously traveled extensively throughout America and Europe, using his own money and freely distributed large quantities of his publications. This was made possible from the revenue he made from actually selling photo images on buttons and badges. He also photographed and sold portraits of prominent American leaders and politicians. This became a very lucrative business and he acquired another nickname known as the Badgeman of Buffalo.
The sales of his photo products expanded to major events all over the country. The Badgeman was said to have made considerable amounts of money at the Philadelphia Centennial in 1876, the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and the Buffalo’s Pan-American Exposition in 1901.
Exile’s death on February 9, 1911 made national news, including the New York Times and the Boston Globe. A large funeral was held at Buffalo’s St. Joseph Cathedral. Exile’s remains were then sent back to where his siblings lived in the small town of Brockport.
He was finally buried in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, a secluded resting place, just outside of town. Since he never had a wife or children, his legacy basically became lost in time. In fact, his gravestone can no longer be located. A new, national monument is presently being installed in this cemetery and a dedication is being planned. The forgotten Exile will now finally receive the recognition that has been long overdue.
| Additional Information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 3rd Feb 1847 | |
| Date of Death | 9th Feb 1911 | |
