Charles McGilvray was born Jan, 22, 1849 in Peterboro, New Hampshire, the fourth generation of Scottish immigrants. Charles and his siblings attended public schools in
Peterboro while working on the family farm. At age 18 Charles entered the foundry and began work as a journeyman. He was married in 1873 to Miss Addie F. Gray. 

In 1884 they came to Springfield, Ohio where Charles took charge of the shops of Robbins and Meyers Company Foundry. In 1900 J.A. Meyers and Charles McGilvray purchased the interest of Mr. Robbins. Charles was later elected city commissioner, later becoming mayor of Springfield.

Addie and Charles were widely known for their philanthropic activities and contributed greatly for the benefit of all in the Springfield community.

Charles died June 26, 1922. Prior to this death, plans were made to dedicate their home to the Y.M.C.A. for a new building site. In 1929 the McGilvray home on N. Limestone St. was given to the "Y." Wittenberg College, Christ Episcopal Church and several other institutions and individuals received contributions following Charles' death.

After the death of her husband, Addie built The McGilvray Mausoleum at Ferncliff Cemetery, a landmark building on the cemetery grounds. Addie died December 3, 1935.

The McGivrays are interred in the McGilvray Mausoleum, Section R Lot 33 121 at Ferncliff Cemetery.