U.S. Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ -- USGenNet Inc. -- Please read the U.S. Data Repository Copyright Statement on the following page: ------------------------------------------------------------------- McClain, W. H. (b. 1868) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Men of West Virginia, Volume II Biographical Publishing Company George Richmond, Pres.: C. R. Arnold, Sec'y and Treas. Chicago, Illinois, 1903 Pages 469-471 W. H. McCLAIN, M. D., one of the leading physicians of Clendenin, Kanawha County, West Virginia, and a very prominent Republican politician, was born March 15, 1868, in Doddridge County, West Virginia. He is a son of Robert Alexander and Sarah (Summers) McClain, and a grandson of Robert and Elizabeth McClain. The McClains are of Scotch extraction and the founders of the family in America located first in Pennsylvania, removing from there to Virginia, now West Virginia. The Summers family is one of distinction in Doddridge County. Robert Alexander McClain was born November 16, 1837, and is an honored citizen of Roane County, near Spencer. In 1862 he married Sarah Summers, who came of Scotch-German ancestry, and four sons and five daughters were born to this union, all of whom are living. Dr. McClain was primarily educated in the common schools and received his medical education in the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri, where he was graduated March 28, 1893. In April of that year he located at Clendenin and he has been heard to remark that his assets at that time included a pretty fair knowledge of his profession, a fine physique, a check for a small amount, and a determination to make a success of his life. He has done so and is now regarded as one of the substantial men of that locality, while he has gained universal esteem. His ability soon became apparent and he has built up a large and satisfactory practice. Dr. McClain has always taken a deep interest in athletics and is a living example of what they accomplish in perfecting physical well- being. From his college days he has found feats of strength easy for him and has won in many contests of speed and agility. A part of his strength was probably inherited from an athletic father, but the genial Doctor is an advocate of athletics as a menus to securing and retaining health. On April 21, 1897, Dr. McClain was married to Nona Campbell, who is a daughter of A. M. Campbell, of Scotch extraction. She was educated in the common schools and the Summersville Normal School and became a popular teacher. No children have been born to them, but they are rearing a niece of Mrs. McClain. In politics Dr. McClain has always been a Republican, — he began campaign work when 16 years old and has never failed to take an active interest ever since. He has been county committeeman and in other ways has been useful to his party. Fraternally he is very prominent in the State. Since 21 years of age he has been a Knight of Pythias, entering the order at Spencer in Lodge No. 55; he now belongs to Elkana Lodge, No. 63. at Charleston. For nine years he has been a member of Lodge No. 142. I. O. O. F., at Clendenin, has filled all the chairs and is the present noble grand, belonging to Elk Encampment, No. 63, I. O. O. F. Dr. McClain owns considerable real estate in the vicinity of his home at Clendenin, and has one of the pleasantest offices in the town, located on the banks of the Elk River. ------------------------------------------------------------------- If you've reached this file through a SEARCH, you can access other biographies for Kanawha County, WV by going to the following URL: http://www.us-data.org/wv/kanawha/bios.html -------------------------------------------------------------------