My Genealogy Hound

W. J. E. McLAIN, merchant, Dravosburg, was born Nov. 4, 1853, in Washington county, Pa., a son of Hon. J. R. McLain, of Washington county. A brief genealogy of Mr. McLain’s family is as follows: In 1680 six brothers from the Isle of Mull, Scotland, emigrated to America. They were all civil engineers, and settled in the Cumberland valley. Of their descendants, William McLain settled in Washington county in an early day. His son, Hon. J. R., was a farmer and wool-merchant in Washington county; in 1877 was elected to the legislature and in 1886 was elected state senator. He married Susannah Ralston, who became the mother of five sons and four daughters. W. J. E. McLain was educated by Rev. W H. Lester,, at the West Alexander Academy and afterward took a classical course at Amherst College. He taught school two years m his native county, and one term in Iowa. For two years he had charge of the fitting-school for boys in Mifflin township, near Lebanon church. He then became the first principal of the Amity Academy of Dravosburg, where he taught two years with great tact and ability. In 1878 he opened a large general store in Dravosburg, which is in a flourishing condition, and does business under the firm name of J. R. McLain & Co. He was married Oct. 16, 1888, to Miss Anna M., daughter of Addison Lysle, Esq., of Allegheny City, Pa. Mr. McLain is identified with the K. of P., Jr. O. U. A. M. and R. A. He is a director of the First National Bank of Homestead; in politics he is a republican.