John Benjamin MCLAIN

For my first real blogspost I thought I would write about one of my ancestors-my great- great Grandfather John Benjamin McLain. My granny talked about her grandparents alot and the time she spent with them. One thing she talked about was that her grandfather carved his own tombstone.

John Benjamin was born in Tennessee in December 1838. On the 1860 US Federal Census John Benjamin is 21 years old, living with his parents and siblings in Benton Township, Fulton County, Arkansas. His occupation is farm laborer. (1860 US Federal Census, M653, Roll #41 pg 491 Arkansas, Fulton County, Benton township Family 64).

The next census I found him on was 1880 US Federal Census when he is married and has six children. His age is listed as 40 and his occupation is farmer and stone mason. (1880 US Federal Census, T9, Roll #45 pg 32 Arkansas, Fulton County, Union township, Family #46). It would be interesting to know how John Benjamin learned his trade of stone work.

In the 1900 John Benjamin, age 61 is living with his wife Mary Elizabeth and 2 sons and 1 daughter. His occupation is listed as stone mason. One of his sons is teaching school and one is listed as a carpenter. (1900 US Federal Census, T623 Roll#59, Benton township, Fulton County, Arkansas Family 75)

Further research is needed on the missing census records and marriage date of the marriage to Mary Elizabeth Roberts. Mary Elizabeth died in April, 1913 and John Benjamin died in May, 1917. Both are buried in the Roberts Cemetery in Fulton County, Arkansas. My next trip down there, I am planning on finding the cemetery and taking a picture of the tombstone marking the spot where John and Mary are buried.

I wonder if I might ever know how many tombstones John Benjamin McLain carved in Fulton County.

Debbie

stonestories@yahoo.com

©2010-Debbie Mack