Charles McIlrath

Charles McIlrath (March 11, 1829 – January 7, 1910) was an American politician and real estate dealer who served as the second state auditor of Minnesota from 1861 to 1873 as a member of the Republican Party. In 1874, following his tenure as state auditor, McIlrath was indicted on 26 counts of felony and malfeasance in office.

Early life McIlrath was born on March 11, 1829, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Career McIlrath served four terms as the second state auditor of Minnesota, holding office from 1861 to 1873 as a member of the Republican Party.

In the 1860 Minnesota State Auditor election, McIlrath defeated Democratic Party nominee Herman Trott and Democratic Southern Faction candidate Josiah S. (J.S.) Weiser with more than 62% of the vote. In the 1863 Minnesota State Auditor election, McIlrath defeated Democratic nominee John (J.H.) McKinney, a former receiver at the United States General Land Office in Chatfield and Brownsville, with more than 61% of the vote. In the 1866 Minnesota State Auditor election, McIlrath defeated Democratic nominee Nelson E. Nelson—a resident of Henderson who served as deputy county auditor of Sibley County, as well as judge of probate and register of deeds—with more than 62% of the vote. In the 1869 Minnesota State Auditor election, McIlrath defeated Democratic nominee Louis A. (L.A.) Evans and Temperance Party nominee John (J.S.) Randolph with more than 54% of the vote.

McIlrath's time in office began on January 1, 1861, and concluded on January 13, 1873. He was preceded in office by Democrat William F. Dunbar and succeeded by Republican Orlan P. Whitcomb.

Outside of politics, McIlrath worked as a real estate dealer.

Personal life and death At the time of the 1860 state auditor election, McIlrath was a resident of Oshawa Township in Nicollet County, Minnesota.

Electoral history 1860

1863

1866

1869