BIOGRAPHIES

Lincoln County Arkansas Genealogy Trails

MC CLAIN, Dr. J. K.

J. K. McClain, M. D. Prominent among the leading physicians of Lincoln County stands he whose name is seen above. He is largely interested in mercantile business, but having accumulated a fortune has retired from active practice business. He is a son of Col. Samuel S. and Elmira (Godfrey) McClain, natives of South Carolina and North Carolina, respectively, and his birth occurred in Leak County, January 16, 1852. After several different moves the family settled in Arkansas in the year 1857, Bradley County, and afterward changed to Lincoln County, where the father died in 1884, having reached his seventy-seventh year. The mother is still living, making her home with the subject of this sketch. To them were born eleven children, of whom J. K. is the youngest. He passed his school days in Bradley County, Ark., and in 1876 commenced the study of medicine, attending lectures in the University of Louisiana, and afterward engaged in the drug business at Star City with Dr. Anderson. He also attended the medical college at Louisville, Ky., and continued to practice most successfully until he retired from active life in easy circumstances with reasonable wealth. In 1880 Dr. McClain married Miss Anna Clary, daughter of J. W. and Talitha Clary, who died in the same year. On November 24, 1881, he was again united in marriage with Miss Mollie M. Simmons, daughter of Dr. J. G. and Mary Simmons. To them have been born four children, two of whom are living, viz: John G. and Myrtle E. Dr. McClain and wife are both faithful members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a master Mason and a life-long Democrat. Although he has retired from business, he is frequently consulted by physicians from the surrounding counties because of his superior learning.
Source:  Goodspeed History of Lincoln County, Arkansas.