Biography

01/08/1828 - 10/10/1915

Joseph Rankin McLain (R46) Beaver and Washington Counties 1887-1890

Early Life:

Joseph Rankin McLain, born January 8, 1828, Cross Creek township, Washington county, Pennsylvania; son of William and Margaret McClellan McLain; moved, farm near Claysville, Buffalo Township, 1830; common and private school education; raised on a farm, followed farming and teaching most of his life; farmer; teacher; engaged, mercantile business; first Republican Jury Commissioner, Fayette County, 1867-1870; elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, 1877-1878; unsuccessful campaign for reelection, 1878; dry goods grocer; engaged, real estate business; chair, Washington County Republican Committee; elected, Pennsylvania State Senate, 1887-1890; school director; president, National Bank of Claysville; married, Susannah Ralston, died, October 10, 1915, Claysville, Washington County, Pennsylvania; interment, Claysville Cemetery, Claysville, Washington County, Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania Politics:

First Republican Jury Commissioner, Fayette County, 1867-1870.

Elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, 1877-1878; unsuccessful campaign for reelection, 1878.

Chair, Washington County Republican Committee.

Elected, Republican, Pennsylvania State Senate, 46th district, Beaver and Washington Counties, 1887-1890; committee assignments, Education, Agriculture, Library, Retrenchment and Reform (Chairman), Vice and Immorality.

Pennsylvania House of Representatives Biography:

Official Website - PA House Archives Official Website (state.pa.us)

Cited:

Cox, Harold. "Senate Members M". Wilkes University Election Statistics Project. Wilkes University.

Smull’s Legislative Handbook, (1890). Cochran, T.B., (Editor) Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, pages 697, 702-704, Biographical Sketches of Senators, page 667.

Joseph Rankin McLain (1828-1915) - Find a Grave Memorial