SAMUEL C. McCLAIN, the oldest living representative of his family, was born February 26, 1850,in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., near the habitation of the first settler of the township, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. John McClain was born in Ireland, which had been the home of his ancestors for many years, and in 1779 came to America, settling in Washington county, Penn., the following year. Soon after his arrival in this country Mr. McClain was married to Rachel Tucker. The young people began their pioneer life in the usual log cabin, where they lived for many years, and reared the following children: Sarah, Elizabeth, James, Simeon, John and William. Mr. McClain was one of the organizers of the Whig party in his vicinity, and in religious faith he and his family were members of the Presbyterian Church. He was laid to rest near the new home, by the side of his wife who had preceded him. James McClain, son of John and Rachel (Tucker) McClain, was born on the home farm in Franklin township, and attended the schools of those days. In early manhood he was married to Nancy Miller, a daughter of Benjamin Miller, of Greene county, Penn., and the young people immediately began housekeeping on the farm, which Mr. McClain continued to own until his death. To Mr. and Mrs. James McClain were born children as follows: Sarah J. (Mrs. Morris Weir), Samuel (subject of this sketch), Martha (deceased), B. F., Flora (Mrs. Clark), and Addie (deceased). He was a liberal contributor to public enterprises, and a quiet but most efficient worker in all progressive movements. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics was formerly a Whig, but after the organization of the party became an active Republican, although he never held political office. On April 23, 1888, he passed away, and his remains were laid by the side of his wife, who died February 28, 1881. Samuel C. McClain passed his youth on the old home place, and in early life took an active interest in the management of the farm. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Clara, daughter of J. C. Chambers, of Amwell township, Washington county, and they have one son and four daughters: Ella, Morris, Mary, Nettie and Grace. Mr. McClain has always been a Republican. He is yet engaged in farming, owning the old Jolly farm near Jolly school-house. B. F. McClain, youngest son of James, and brother of Samuel C. McClain, also resides on and owns the home farm, and is a stanch Republican. He is unmarried.

Text taken from page 576 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by Patti Godesky of Pittsburgh, PA as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA USGenWeb pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

[ [Back to Beers Table of Contents] [Back to Beers Project Page]