Robert McBride

Robert McBride (1811/12–1895) was an Irish-Canadian poet. He was born in the parish of Urblereagh near the village of Ardstraw in County Tyrone, Ireland, sometime in late 1811 or early 1812. Early life Following the death of his father McBride “secured the position of Seal Master or inspector of linens, in the Strabane Linen Hall, which position he held for six years." He then migrated to British North America, and after a stint in Hamilton moved to Halidmand County in Canada West (later Ontario) where he owned and operated a store. He remained there until the mid-1850s at which time he removed to Port Franks, Ontario and became the first postmaster there. During his short tenure at Port Franks he became embroiled in local politics and some serious financial reverses which resulted in him serving time in debtors' prison in Sarnia. Upon his release he secured a position as teacher in Warwick, Ontario in Lambton County, and then removed to Oil Springs in 1862. There he established himself as a merchant.