Charles F. Mcgilvray

As printed in 1902

CHARLES F. McGILVRAY.

From the farm come many of the strongest and best men found in business and professional circles. In the free life of the country they seem to imbibe self-reliance, independence and strong purpose, and, entering into the competition which forms so great a part of business life, they so direct their energies as to win success. Such a one is, Charles F. McGilvray. He was born in Peterboro, New Hampshire,

January 22, 1849, and is a son of Thurston McGilvray, whose birth occurred in Amhurst, New Hampshire, as did that of the grandfather of our subject, while the great-grandfather was a native of Scotland. He became the founder of the family in America, leaving the land of hills and weather in 1792, and taking up his above in New England. Thurston McGilvray went to California in 1851, attracted by the discovery of gold in that state, and there died when about thirty-seven years of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary A. Bullard, is still living in Peterboro, at the age of eighty-nine years. She came of English ancestry noted for longevity. The family was first established at Dublin, New Hampshire, and the maternal grandfather of our subject was a soldier in the war of 1812. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McGilvray were born three children, but our subject is the only one living, Albert and Marsena having both passed away. After the death of her first husband Mrs. McGilvray became the wife of David Smiley. Mrs. Addie Greenwood, a sister of Thurston McGilvray, is now living in Everett, Massachuetts.

Charles F. McGilvray pursued his early education in the public schools of Peterboro and when eleven years of age he began earning his own. livelihood by working on a farm. He followed various occupations for a few years, and at the age of eighteen he entered a foundry and learned the trade. When he had completed his apprenticeship he began working as a journeyman at the age of twenty-one, and continually advanced in his chosen pursuit. He remained in the east until 1870, when he came to Cleveland, Ohio, which was his place of residence for a time. He afterward took up his above in Elmira, New York, where he had charge of the foundry at the New York

State Reformatory, continuing in that position for one year. On the expiration of that period he returned to Cleveland, where he remained about three months, and in February, 1884, he came to Springfield and here took charge of the shops of the Robbins & Meyers Company foundry. He has remained in that capacity until the present time, and under his capable supervision the business has rapidly increased and he has been advanced to the important position of superintendent of the entire plant, having three hundred men under his supervision. In 1888 the company was incorporated as the Robbins & Meyer Company, and in 1900 J. A. Meyers and Mr. McGilvray purchased the interests of Mr. Robbins, and H. E. Meyers also became a member of the company. Mr. McGilvray gives his entire time and attention to the management of the business. The plant is now used for the manufacture of electric ceiling fans, desk fans, dynamos and motors, and a general foundry business is carried on. The sales of the house are extensive and the annual output is constantly increasing, bringing the stockholders an enlarged annual income.

In 1873 Mr. McGilvray returned to New Hampshire and was there married to Miss Addie F. Gray, who was born in the old Granite state and pursued her education in the high schools there. Her father, David Gray, was a contractor and builder. After his marriage Mr. McGilvray remained in the state of his nativity until 1877, when he returned to Cleveland, Ohio. One child was born of this marriage, but died in 1876 at the age of two years. Mr. and Mrs., Mc- Gilvray reside at No. 717 East High street, where they have a pleasant and hospitable home.

In politics he is a Republican where national affairs are concerned, but at local elections, where no issue is involved, he votes for the men whom he regards as best qualified for the office, aside from political affiliations. He is a member of Anthony Lodge, F. & A. M., and also belongs to the Benevo- lent and Protective Order of Elks, to the Royal Arcanum, and to the Mystic Circle. He devotes his entire time to the management of the business, but in social life is found as a genial, courteous and kindly gentleman. He is a man of wide experience and broad-minded —a man whose strong individuality is the strength of integrity, virtue and deep human sympathy.

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.