My Genealogy Hound

Ephraim McClain, M. D. was born July 29, 1827, in Maury County, Tenn., one of twelve children born to John and Elizabeth (McMillen) McClain, who were born in South Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. The father was born the year following the Declaration of Independence, and when a young man moved to Kentucky, where he was married and came to Tennessee about the beginning of the present century. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was with Jackson at New Orleans. He soon after returned to Maury County, and followed a long and useful life as a farmer. He died at the remarkable age of one hundred and four years, respected by all who knew him. Our subject was reared and educated in his native county, and taught school a number of years. In 1853 he began the study of medicine, and the same year came to Lawrence County and studied with Dr. J. M. Hamilton, and in 1855 began practicing. He has met with more than ordinary success, and has a large practice in this and adjoining counties. August 2, 1849, he wedded Annie Clendennin, a native of North Carolina, who died May 4, 1885, leaving one child Alice (Mrs. J. B. Kennedy), who was engrossing clerk in the House of Representatives in 1883-85. She is a lady of culture and intelligence, and filled the position in a very satisfactory manner. The Doctor is a Democrat, and belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellow fraternities. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He served three months, in his professional capacity in the Ninth Tennessee Cavalry, under Col. Biffle.