| Notes |
The 1850 Census has the last name as McLane. The 1860 Census, Joseph is listed as Joseph Bell. He is also listed as being born in 1821. In the 1870 & 1880 Census, he is listed as being born in 1821.
Franklin Democrat, Friday December 5, 1884, page 6, column 2
Mr. J. B. McClain, an old and respected citizen of this city, died very suddenly at his home in East Franklin, early last Friday morning, of heart disease in the [65th] year of his age. He retired apparently in his usual good health at a late hour after having participated in the festivities of a thanksgiving supper and party, which was given at his residence that night. Shortly after his retiring his wife was aroused by his struggles and alarmed at his condition, sent for a doctor, but before his arrival death had laid his icy hand on the sufferer. The funeral took place from the Baptist church, of which he was a member, on Sunday morning from where the remains were taken to Greenlawn cemetery followed by a large funeral cortege with sympathizing friends.
Franklin Democrat, Friday December 5, 1884, page 6, column 4
OBITUARY.
Joseph B. McClain that that was born near Oxford, Butler County, Ohio, July 19, 1820, and died of heart disease in Franklin, Indiana, November 27, 1884, in his sixty fifth year. He was the oldest son in a family of eight children. His father died when he was eleven years old, leaving him at that tender age, under his mother's direction, the entire care of the farm. This care he heroically assumed and with such advice and help, as kind neighbors were ready to give, successfully managed until other members of the family were old enough to bear part of the burden.
At the age of twenty he was converted and united with the Presbyterian church under the ministerial labors of Rev. Dr. Scott, a venerable Scotch divine, who was then pastor of the Presbyterian church in Oxford.
On the first day of September, 1842, he was united in marriage by his pastor, Dr. Scott, to Miss Amanda Newbraugh. By this marriage there is one daughter who is now the wife of John King, of Greensburg. When this daughter was one year old the mother died. On the 10th of August, 1848, he was again married to Amanda Bellew. By this marriage there are five children: Edward; Lizzie, wife of Dr. W. A. McCoy, of this city; Ida, wife of Rev. Charles Boaz, of Utica Ill.; Molly, wife of E. J. Beardsley, of Dale, Ind.; and Frank.
In the spring of 1851 Mr. McClain purchased a farm near Shelbyville Ind., where he resided until he moved to this city. About the year 1856 he severed his membership with the Presbyterian church to unite with the Mt. Gilead Baptist church near his home. By his exemplary Christian life he so won the confidence of the church that the next year he was chosen deacon, which position he held until the year 1871 when he sold his farm and moved to this city, where he resided until his death.
Upon coming to Franklin he immediately joined the First Baptist church and was at once chosen deacon, which office in the church he filled most faithfully until the Lord called him home to be forever at rest.
The Christian life of Mr. McClain was a most positive one in keeping with his profession. He left behind him a name more highly praised than any other legacy he could have left to his sorrowing family.
He was in his usual health up to midnight on the night of his death when his wife discovered he was in some way distressed. She only had time to call the family when quietly and peacefully the spirit took its departure. After a most beautiful and appropriate funeral discourse by his pastor, Rev. C. S. Scott, at the Baptist church, his remains were followed to the grave by a large number of relatives and friends.
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1820 - 1884 (64 years)
