Clifford McBride

Clifford McBride, born on January 26, 1901, in the United States, is best remembered as the creator of the long-running newspaper comic strip *Napoleon and Uncle Elby*. He passed away on May 21, 1951. McBride began his career in the early 20th century, eventually finding his signature voice with the gentle, humorous adventures of a mischievous dog named Napoleon and his long-suffering owner, Uncle Elby. The strip, which debuted in 1932, became a staple of American funny pages, known for its warm, slapstick comedy and expressive, clean-lined art. McBride handled writing and art duties himself, and the strip’s popularity led to its syndication in hundreds of newspapers. His work also appeared in comic books, most notably in *Famous Funnies*, where reprints of *Napoleon and Uncle Elby* were featured. Over his career, McBride contributed to 37 issues, with his most credited titles being *Famous Funnies* and *Napoleon*. Though he died relatively young, his creation continued to be reprinted for decades, solidifying his legacy as a beloved cartoonist of the mid-century. McBride’s influence is seen in later animal-centric comic strips, and his work remains a fondly remembered piece of Americana.