MCGRATH, THOMAS C. (deceased), who served ten years as a member of the police force of Springfield, Ill., was well known as a useful and public-spirited citizen. Mr. McGrath was born in Tamaqua, Schuykill County, Pa., April 8, 1836, a son of Terrence and Nellie (Cumeford) McGrath, the former born in Ireland. The father was a foreman in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. He and his wife had seven children.

The education of Thomas C. McGrath was acquired in his native State, and after leaving school he began driving in the coal mines. In 1859 he moved to LaSalle County, Ill., where he lived about twelve years and was employed as a miner. In 1887 he located in Springfield, where he secured a position on the police force, under the administration of Mayor Hay, and served ten years under three different Mayors. He left the force in 1896 and his death occurred at his home, 1527 East Washington Street, Springfield, July 25, 1906, at the age of seventy years. He was buried in Calvary Cemetery. He was a good officer and had considerable experience in mining, having been employed many years as inspector and foreman for the Capital Coal Company. He was a member of the Catholic Church and affiliated with the Catholic Order of Foresters, of Springfield. He took an active part in local affairs and in political views was a Democrat. He was devoted to his home, a kind husband and father, and had many warm personal friends, being a man of social instincts and genial disposition.

Mr. McGrath was married, in LaSalle County, Ill., February 19, 1860, to Miss Mary Culbert, who was born in Columbia, Lancaster County, Pa., May 17, 1837, a daughter of Michael and Johanna (O'Connell) Culbert, both born in County Cork, Ireland. Twelve children were born to Mr. McGrath and his wife, namely: Josie, unmarried, living with her mother; Thomas J., unmarried and living at home; William F., a mine worker, married and living in Springfield; Margaret, married Patrick J. Whalen, a bartender living in Springfield; Anna, married Joseph Hohl, clerk in a shoe store in Springfield; Nellie and Matthew, unmarried. David J., Terrence, Michael, Alice and Helen are deceased.