James McClain, one of the old and honored pioneers of Clark Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 9, 1808, and is a son of Jacob and Catharine (Lacefield) McClain, the former of whom was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1780, and was in the War of 1812; the latter was born about 1782, and died about 1832. They came to this state in 1829, and settled in Marion County, where they remained one year, removing to Johnson County, where he remained a short time, and then returned to Kentucky, and was united in marriage with Susan Wood. He remained in Kentucky about five years, and returned to Indiana and settled in Johnson County, where they resided the remainder of their lives. Our subject began life for himself at the age of eighteen years as a farmer, which vocation he has followed through life. At one time he was a very large land owner, but has given all to his children except 143½ acres of fine land on which he lives, which speaks well for a man who only had 25 cents when he came to Indiana with a wife and one child. He was united in marriage with Rose White, in 1826, and this union was blessed with the following children: Martha, Catherine, Jacob F., Rebecca, Verlinda, Reuhana, Fletcher, John S. F., Joseph E. S. and Ametia F. The mother of these children died November 18, 1849. March 6, 1853, he was united in marriage with Susannah Huffer. This union was blessed with the following children: Armilda A., Elender, Mariah R., Mary I., Alice M., and one that died unnamed. The mother of these children died March 20, 1863. In June, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mrs. Ann E. Donavan, to which union the following children were born: Fermen V., George Ann V., Marion S., Leotis and Enoch D. The mother of these children is still living. In politics, he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson. He and wife are members of the Christian Church.