McKain Genealogy
1763-1996
"IN HOPE I BYDE"

Part One--1763-1849

by John J. McKain, Mesa, Arizona
June 1979
July 1980
August 1981
August 1994
December 1996

Submitted by John J. McKain
John.J.McKain@worldnet.att.net
Prepared for the page by Danene Vincent

SCOTLAND

McKain is a Scottish surname and is formed from the Gaelic Mac (Mc, M') meaning "son of" and the name Ian (Iain, Eoin) meaning John. Therefore it could be stated in English as Son of John or Johnson. Phonetic spelling has transformed the MacIan (MacIain) into McKain, McKane, McKoin, McKean, McKeon, etc. Although McKain is pronounced "Mack Kain" in English, in Scotland it is frequently still pronounced "Mack Ian". McKain is a registered Scottish clan with its own crest and tartan, although these attributes were of more recent invention. Scottish clans are social groupings with the members claiming descent from a common ancestor or at least identifying with this group by taking the surname.

McKain Family History
by
Beth McKain

The McKain family has its origins in the MacIain Clan, who lived in the westernmost peninsula of mainland Scotland, an area called Ardnamurchan. Tradition claims that Ardnamurchan was once ruled by a tyrannical Norse nobleman, who was killed by his vassals. An appeal was sent by the people to the chief of Clan Donald, the most powerful clan in western Scotland, asking protection from the nobleman's friends. The Clan Donald chief sent his brother, Iain Sprangach (John the Bold) to take possession of the region, and was confirmed in his acquisition by Robert the Bruce in return for aid rendered during Scotland's wars for independence in the early 14th century.

Iain Sprangach and his descendants, the MacIains, ruled the Ardnamurchan peninsula as chieftains of the Clan Donald, and MacIain history is merged with this clan until the forfeiture of Clan Donald's Lordship of the Isles in 1493. The leaders of Clan Donald were violently committed to retaining their independence from the growing influence of the Scottish monarchy; but by the end of the 15th century, the power of the King, James IV, spread to the west. By declaring the Lordship of the Isles forfeit, James planned to break the overriding influence of the MacDonald chiefs. He garrisoned several castles in the west highlands, notably the strategically placed MacIain castle, Mingarry. Feudal charters were bestowed upon his supporters, confirming their lands to them. The MacIain chief at this time, John MacIain, was a staunch royalist, and actively supported the King's plans at the expense of Clan Donald. According to A. & A. McDonald in their book Clan Donald (v. 2, pp. 158):

"John MacIain of Ardnamurchan had now become by far the most powerful chieftain of the Clan Donald, and the most effective instrument in the hands of the King for their destruction. From the time he received his first grant of lands from the King in 1494 to the end of James' reign, he was in constant communication with that monarch, the King making frequent visits to the castle and holding court there. Frequent references are also made in the records of the time to payments being made to messengers carrying letters to MacIain from the King."

After the death of James IV at the Battle of Flodden Field, however, chaos erupted in the west. In 1517, Mingarry castle was burned and John MacIain was killed along with two of his sons and followers by a band of MacDonalds and MacLeods. John MacIain's surviving son, Alexander, was a minor when he succeeded his father as Chief of the MacIains. Under the privy seal, the ambitious Campbell of Argyll was appointed Alexander's guardian and was given jurisdiction over the MacIain estates. This move marked the end of the MacIain's real power in the western highlands and isles of Scotland. Over the next century, the MacIain's were involved in numerous feuds, and the crown's favor towards the clan was lost. In the middle of the 16th century, Campbell of Argyll was made the legal possessor of the Ardnamurchan lands, although the MacIains remained in actual possession of them for some time.

In 1624, the MacIains took to a life of piracy, owing to the unfair treatment of the Campbells and the government. The clan became the scourge of the western seas, and action was taken to suppress them. The clan was driven from the Ardnamurchan region, and many found refuge in the neighboring Moydart region, which belonged to their kinsmen and allies, the Clanranald MacDonalds. Others emigrated to Ireland and emigrated again some years later to America.

After the union of Scotland With England in 1609, the English council asked the Scottish privy council to draw up a list of Scotsmen willing to settle in the recently conquered area of Ulster (Northern Ireland). James I (and VI) considered that the parts of Scotland (western Scotland) nearest Ireland would most likely yield proper colonists. Many land grants (and some forced emigration) were made to Scots between 1610 and 1630 for colonization purposes. While living in Ireland the Scots kept intact their Presbyterian religion and race, not intermarrying with the indigenous people. However, in 1698 the English required all serving in any capacity in government in Ulster to take communion with the Church of England. The clannish Scots Presbyterians did not take to this, and by 1715 began to seek a more promising home in America. After a ten week trip across the Atlantic, most of these "Scotch-Irish" landed in or near Philadelphia, but by 1735, problems with land and religion forced the Scotch-Irish to migrate south and west to Virginia and eventually North Carolina.

James McKain, Sr.

The James River settlements, just west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in what is now Botetourt County, Virginia began in 17401. Records show that James Lauderdale (of the famous Lauderdale family) settled here on Looney Mill Creek in 1749.

Augusta County, Virginia
Court Records

1763, June
Margaret (Lauderdale) Luney (sic) relic of Peter Luney, d.1761.

1767, Feb. 28
James McKain is witness to a Bill of Sale.

1767, Aug. 20
Richd. Lawson is a runaway servant of James McKain. Also James McKain gets a "Certificate of Hemp".

1767, Nov. 17
Grand Jurors ... James McKain

1767, Nov. 18
James Ledderdale (sic) asks counter security from Margaret Looney, admix. of Peter Looney, since intermarried with James McKain.

1768, Jan. 22
Margaret McKain, formerly Margaret Looney, vs. Breckenridge.

1768, Mar. 16
James McKain give bond to James Ledderdale (sic) who was surety of Margaret Looney as administratrix of Peter Looney.

1768, Mar. 22
Order summoning James McKain and Margaret (Looney, widow of Peter) is dismissed.

1768, May 18
James McKain sells for £30, one wagon, two black horses, one bay mare, and one bay horse to Jonathan Smith, Robert Faris, and James Latherdale (sic), witness Margaret McKain.

1769, Nov.
Botetourt County, Virginia formed from a part of Augusta County.

Botetourt County, Virginia
Court Records

1770, Aug. 16
James McKain accuses Michael Lloyd of trespass and assault and battery. Jury trial returned verdict for McKain, fined Lloyd £2 and costs.

1771, Nov. 12
Grand Jurors ... James McKain

1772, Dec. 8
The court doth appoint Joseph Looney guardian to Peter Looney, son of Peter Looney, deceased, in the room of James McKain and Jonathan Smith, who are discharged from that office.

1773, May 13
Jurors ... James McKain.

Historical Notes

During this period, the Revolutionary War was beginning, and the English began to foment trouble for the frontier settlers. Under their direction, the Cherokee War of 1776 against the people of the North Holston settlements was initiated. Fincastle (Botetourt County) was one of the largest settlements on the southwestern Virginia frontier, and answered the early call for aid from the North Holston settlements (then considered to be part of Virginia, today a part of Tennessee). It was from these North Holston and Watauga settlements that the settlers of middle Tennessee later set forth. (I have yet to explore James McKain's presence in the Holston and Watauga area.)

After withstanding the July assault by the Cherokee and their Indian allies, substantial aid then arrived for these settlers. In September, over 3000 men from Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and South Carolina marched down the valley of the French Broad River and destroyed the Indian towns in that area. The Cherokee soon sued for peace.

(Note: Earlier editions of this genealogy discussed a James McKain of Stokes County, North Carolina about this same time. However, I can find no proof that this other James McKain was a relative, and thus I have omitted him from inclusion in this document.)

The Donelson Voyage

On a bitterly cold day, December 22, 1779, 61 year old John Donelson leading a flotilla of some 30 to 40 flatboats, embarked on an epic 1000 mile voyage down the Tennessee River and up the Ohio and Cumberland Rivers to the "French Lick", the site of present day Nashville. This was the culmination of several years of extensive efforts to settle this wilderness area. This voyage is of particular interest to readers of this genealogy, since James McKain, Sr., his 14 year old son James McKain, Jr., and other members of the family were participants in this dangerous undertaking. The voyage is detailed in a journal kept by John Donelson. In this journal he listed the members of the expedition to include: James Cain (sic) and Peter Looney. (James McKain, Jr. in a interview years later confirmed his participation.)

The expedition began when Judge Richard Henderson of the Transylvania Company sent James Robertson in early 1779 to explore the Cumberland valley. With the resulting encouraging report, John Donelson was offered command of the flotilla to transport women, children2, and heavy baggage, and James Robertson was to move overland with the livestock. They met again on April 24, 1780 when the river travelers arrived at the selected site, today's Nashville.

The river travelers fought freezing weather, shoals, sinkings, and Indian attacks to traverse this howling wilderness with relatively few casualties. This miracle of success is one of the best documented epic journeys by pioneers to settle a new land. The original journal kept by John Donelson is now in the Tennessee State Archives and reprints are available for the interested reader. (I referenced the Donelson Journal when I took a similar voyage in 1988. JJM)

The Cumberland Settlements

The Cumberland settlers realized that they needed an organized government, so on May 1, 1780 representatives from the eight stations (forts), which had been established, met at Nashborough. They signed and adopted articles known as "The Cumberland Compact" providing for a representative form of elected government in this area. Typical government duties were called for such as a militia, land purchases, and courts. James McKain, Sr. signed the Compact representing Mansker's Station. (These stations were small forts to which these isolated settlers could flee for protection when attacked by Indians. More than 75 people were killed by Indians in Sumner County alone from 1786 until the destruction of the Chickamagua towns in September of 1794. e. g. Issac Bledsoe was killed while working in his field, and his brother Anthony was killed in the door of his cabin.)

1783
A small settlement was begun on the west side of Big Station Camp Creek near Douglass Chapel by James McKain, James Franklin, Elmore Douglass, and Charles Carter.

1783, Jan. 18
James McKain appeared in the minutes of the second meeting of the Cumberland District Court.

1783, Apr. 1
James McKain sued William Graham in regard to a bed. Jordan Gibson and Isaac Neely as witnesses.

1783, Oct. 6
James McKain is elected constable at Mansker's Station.

1786, Apr. 17
"Winston, North Carolina3 (current Winston-Salem), in the tenth year of independence, 1786. For the sum of ten pounds, James McKain is granted 640 acres in Davidson County on Station Camp Creek beginning at a sugar tree on Elmore Douglas line, etc."

1787 Mar.
The first Sumner County court was held on the first Monday in March 1787 in the home of John Hamilton on Station Camp Creek. James McKain, Sr. was appointed to mark out a road from Major Bledsoe's to the state line. He also recorded his stock mark as an underkeal, an overkeal, and a crop off of each ear. His brand was identified as "K". He was a juror several times in 1787.

1787 Apr. County Court:
Richard Searcy, a minor orphan, be bound to James McKain until he arrives at the age of 21 years.

1788
James McKain was again a juror this year. Also he sued a local man for debts. Some entries mention a McKain Creek. i.e. "The people from McKain's down McKain Creek to the road, are to work on the road east of Station Camp Creek."

1789
Andrew Jackson, Esq. (later the U. S. president) obtained his license to practice as an attorney at law in Sumner County Courts. This year James McKain was again a juror and was sued for debt incurred in 1782 to an Arthur Gilbreath of Hawkins County, North Carolina (Tennessee).

1789 Apr. 8 County of Tennessee, State of North Carolina:
James McKain sold 200 acres of his preemption on Station Camp Creek to Peter Looney for £200. (Could this be his step-son from Botetourt County, Virginia?) James began to buy and sell other properties, a process that seems continuous over the next several years.

1789
James McKain was taxed this year (£19 5 1/2 shillings) for the cutting of a road from the town of Clinch Mountain (Knoxville area) to the Cumberland Settlements.

1789 July 14
James McKain was granted the privilege of erecting a mill on the West Fork of Station Camp Creek within a quarter mile of where he lived. He was also appointed overseer of roads.

1790
This year James McKain, Sr. secured another land grant of 640 acres on the East Branch of Drake's Creek near Hendersonville in Sumner County. It appears that he got a total of three of these land grants. (Station Camp Creek, Drakes's Creek, and Bledsoe's Creek) Also this year, he served as a juror and secured the services of a bond servant in court proceedings.

1791
James McKain was again a juror and was a defendant in a suit where the opposing attorney was Andrew Jackson. James McKain and his attorney, John Overton, lost and James paid a settlement of £20.

1791 Nov. 8
From a report by Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, to President Washington that detailed all private claims so that the government could set up land offices in the proposed state of Tennessee:

"An estimate of the redemptions laid off and allocated the settlers on the Cumberland River by the commissioner for paying off the lands granted the Continental Line............ ...... No. 184, James McKain, 640 acres, Davidson County, West Fork of Station Camp Creek."

1792
Again we find a similar pattern of activities. James McKain, Sr. sold land, served as a juror, and was a defendant in a lawsuit.

1793
James McKain, Sr. died in the fall of this year. It appears that he may have been sick and wished to clear his accounts, for during this year he sold four parcels of land totaling 1048 acres, including 378 acres sold to James McKain, Jr.

1793 May 14
James McKain of Sumner County sold to James Lauderdale of Virginia (perhaps this is a nephew) 640 acres on Bledsoe's Creek near Cumberland Spring for £300.

1793 July 25
James McKain of Sumner County sells to Zacheriah Green for £132:

1 negro wench
1 bay horse
6 head of cattle
2 feather beds
household furniture
3 year old calves
1 rifle gun.

1793 July 25
"Know all men by these present that I, James McKain Senior of Sumner County and Territory South of the Ohio for a valuable consideration to me in hand paid by James McKain Junior of the county of territory aforesaid hath given, granted, and sold and hath went unto the aforesaid James McKain Junior, a certain skewball (skewbald) stud horse seven years old last spring and also one pair of millstones...where of I have unto set my hand and seal this 25th of July year 1793. James McKain Senr"

1793
Two lawsuits were filed against James McKain, Sr. One was to last against the estate of James McKain, Sr. and his heir James McKain, Jr. until July of 1800.

An idea of the extent of James McKain, Sr.'s land dealings might be enhanced by this chart as revealed for tax purposes:


James McKain, Sr. James McKain, Jr.
Year Acres Polls Acres Polls
1787 1544 2 220 1
1788 1544 2 220 1
1789 904 3 220 1
1790 1534 3 220 1
1791 3352 2 220 1
1792 2887 3 --- -
1793 640 2 378 1
1794 --- - 366 1

Can you imagine what 3352 acres of land, that near Nashville, might be worth today!

(Note: In 1793, Reason Bowie bought 640 acres of land on Station Camp Creek where Jim Bowie, inventor of the Bowie Knife and hero of the Alamo, was born.)

James McKain, Jr.

James McKain, Jr. was born in 1766 in Botetourt County, Virginia and as a young lad accompanied his father on the Donelson Voyage of 1779 - 1780.

1787
James McKain, Jr. married Elizabeth Eaton4, daughter of Amos Eaton of Eaton's Station.

1787
James McKain, Jr. is a juror.

1788
James McKain, Jr. is a juror.

Prudence (Prudy) McKain5, James Jr.'s daughter, is born.

1789
James McKain, Jr. served as a juror.

James McKain, Jr. filed two suits for debts, but he lost both. Andrew Jackson was the opposing attorney in the second suit.

In the late fall, James McKain, Jr. was a member of a scouting party led by Colonel James Winchester. Near Smith's fork, a tributary of Caney Fork in Dekalb County6 an Indian ambush turned into a series of small skirmishes. In his fight, James McKain, Jr. shot and killed the harelip Indian Chief called Ne-ussee (Moon)7. James was later quoted as saying; "that he had bullets in his rifle, that he aimed at Moon and fired and that Moon fell pierced by two bullets.

1790
James McKain, Jr. again served as a juror, was appointed road overseer, and took the oath as a Captain of a Militia Company.

1791
This year James Jr. again served as a juror, is mentioned as Captain McKain.

1791, Aug. 1
Thirty civil and military officers of the Mero District (Middle Tennessee) directed a petition to President George Washington asking his aid against the depredations and murders committed by the Indians. Among the signatories was James McKain of Sumner County.

1791, Oct.
James McKain, Jr. was fined 8 shillings in court for breach of the peace. This must have been a brawl, for three others were also fined at this court session.

1792
Captain McKain resigned his militia commission.

1793, Oct.
James McKain, Jr. entered bond as administrator of the estate of James McKain (Sr.).

1794
James McKain, Jr. administrator and heir of James McKain, Sr. now enters a series of court suits as defendant against claims on the estate, but now Andrew Jackson is his attorney.

1794, Jan. 7
This is a particularly interesting case. The plaintiff, Jason Thompson, won the case but was awarded damages of only one penny. Also a court sale of the estate's personal property was made, and debts were paid. An interesting sidelight happened in court concerning what I assume was James Jr.'s sister.

"William Cage and John Dawson entered into bond in the sum of 200 dollars for the indemnification of the county of all charges and expenses that may accrue in consequence of Jane McKain having a base born child."

1794
Thomas Sharp "Big Foot" Spencer, a friend of James Jr. and a famous "Long Hunter", was killed in ambush near Crab Orchard. James contends that he was killed by white men.

1795, Apr. 7
James McKain, Jr. pleaded guilty in court to a charge of assault and battery and paid a fine of 3 dollars.

1795, May 4
James McKain, Jr. sold 20 acres on Station Camp Creek.

1795
Jenny McKain, probably another sister of James Jr., married Gabriel Black.

1796
James McKain makes numerous court appearances concerning administration of the estate and suits against the estate.

1796, Jun. 1
President Washington signed the statehood bill, thereupon making Tennessee the 16th state.

1796, Nov. 16
Samuel McKain was born, probable son of James McKain, Jr.

1797
James McKain, Jr. was a bondsman for the administrator of a will.

1798
James McKain, Jr. served as a juror, was sued and paid a $25 debt, and himself sued a renter of his lands for non-payment. He also entered the real estate business this year by buying 367 acres for $367 and selling it in two parcels for $840. This year there were 1279 free taxable inhabitants of Sumner County.

1799
This year James McKain, Jr. filed and won a court suit for non-payment of debt and twice served as bondsman for the court.

1800
James McKain, Jr. sold 16 acres on Station Camp Creek and defended the final suit against the estate of James McKain, Sr.

1801
James McKain, Jr. served as both a juror and a court bondsman.

1802
The town site of Gallatin was surveyed and the sale of lots by the county commissioners commenced in the spring.

Joseph McKain & Co., merchants held a two story house at No. 12 Market (Main) Street in Nashville. (Perhaps a relative.)

1803
James McKain, Jr. bought lot No. 9 (containing 60 poles of land) in the town site of Gallatin for $49. This year he again served as a juror and a court bondsman. Again James Jr. entered court, along with three others, on an assault and battery charge. He pled guilty and paid a fine of one dollar. Also this year James Jr. filed suit against Daniel Miles for non-performance of a contract.

1803, Feb. 19
James Franklin, Jr. married Prudy McKain (Prudy would be 15 years old at this time). James McKain, Jr. was wedding bondsman.

1804
James McKain, Jr. served as a juror and both prosecuted and defended court suits. This year he purchased 640 acres in Sumner County on Goose Creek for $400.

Taxes this year were:
6-1/4 cents on every free poll,
12-1/2 cents on every town lot,
50 cents on every stud horse,
6-1/4 cents on each 100 acres.

1805
James McKain was a marriage bondsman and a defendant in a court suit. He also finished the suit against Daniel Miles. Daniel Miles was to have built on lot 9 in Gallatin, a two story dwelling house, 34 by 22 feet, for James McKain, Jr. Miles was to furnish foot thick logs hewn to seven inches thick, shingles, sawn rafters, and under flooring. McKain was to furnish finished planks, nails, hauling, victuals, and lodging for Miles. Miles was to finish this building within six months from the first day of August, 1802. Miles did not build the house, was found guilty, and fined.

1806, 1808, 1809
In these years James McKain, Jr. was mentioned as a marriage bondsman.

1810
James McKain, Jr. sold lot 9 in Gallatin for $90.

1811, 1812, 1815, 1816
James McKain, Jr. served as a marriage bondsman and sold lands on Station Camp Creek and Goose Creek.

1850
In the 1850 census, James McKain, Jr., 84 years of age, was found living in the household of Prudence Franklin, age 62, his daughter.

1857
James McKain, Jr died this year at the home of Dr. James Franklin, his grandson. The gravesite no longer exists. As late as 1912, James McKain, Jr.'s chair, powder horn, hunting knife, and family bible were still in the possession of his great-grandchildren (Franklins) who were then living in the house where he died.

Samuel McKain

1796, Nov. 16
Samuel was born in Sumner County, Tennessee.

1812
War of 1812: In 1812, the southern states and territories still had numerous Indians, mostly Creeks, Chocktawas, Chickasaws, and Cherokees. In 1813, with the backing of the British, hostile Creeks massacred 550 men, women, and children at Fort Mims, Alabama Territory. Also settlers on the Duck River in Tennessee were murdered. The Tennessee legislature called for volunteers to be led by Andrew Jackson and his able cavalry commander, John Coffee. This consisted of 1500 militia infantry under Jackson and 600 mounted volunteers under Coffee.

1813, Sep. 24
At Gallatin, Samuel enlisted as a private in Captain William Edwards' company of Mounted Riflemen in the 2nd Regiment of West Tennessee Volunteer Militia, commanded by Colonel Newton Cannon, Coffee's Division. He enlisted for a term of three months and 16 days, for which he was paid $8 per month, plus $43.20 allowance for a horse, and $4.50 for subsistence. These men traveled 274 miles to Huntsville, Western Territories (Alabama) where they were mustered in and out of service.

1813, Nov. 3
While camped on the Coosa River in Alabama, Jackson dispatched Coffee and his cavalry to fight the Creeks at Tallushatchee. Coffee divided his command as he approached the Indian fortified town. The right wing consisted of cavalry and the left wing consisted of mounted riflemen under Colonel Cannon. A small detachment drew the Indians out to fight, and then the two wings fell on the flanks of the Indians. The Indians suffered 200 killed, while Coffee had 5 killed and 41 wounded. Samuel was in this battle according to his pension application.

1813, Nov. 7
A fortified camp of friendly Indians at Talladega asked for help against an imminent attack of hostile Creeks. Under the command of Jackson, infantry and cavalry marched rapidly. With the infantry in the center and the cavalry and mounted riflemen on the wings, Jackson drew the Indians into battle where 290 Indians were killed with the loss of 15 killed and 15 wounded from the Tennessee troops. Samuel was in this battle according to his pension application. There were further battles in this campaign, but Samuel's enlistment was soon up.

1814, Sep. 1
Samuel McKain volunteered at Gallatin as a Sergeant in Captain Robert Moore's Company of Mounted Gunmen in the 2nd Regiment of Tennessee Volunteers commanded by Colonel Thomas Williamson, General Coffee's Division.

1814, Oct. 3
General Coffee mustered 2000 men at Fayetteville and began a march south. 1814, Oct. 22 After a trip of 470 miles they reached Camp Gaines near Mobile, Alabama Territory. Thence they rode to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, arriving in 16 days.

1814, Dec. 20
Coffee's men arrive in New Orleans after riding 135 miles from Baton Rouge in three days. General Jackson had sent an urgent appeal from New Orleans, " Come quick, the British are coming".

A contemporary description of Coffee's men:

"They are not very military in appearance. They wear woolen hunting shirts, slouched hats or cap of skins of raccoons or foxes, with a belt of untanned deer skin in which stuck hunting knives. But they were admirable soldiers and remarkable for endurance and the ability to take care of themselves."

1814, Dec. 23
As a delaying tactic, Coffee's men (veterans of the Creek War) attacked the British encampment south of New Orleans during a foggy night. 1600 Americans fought 3000 British in hand to hand combat. The Americans suffered 95 killed or wounded with the British having 400 killed or wounded. This attack successfully delayed the British attack on New Orleans, allowing General Jackson time to carefully prepare his position, a mud and cotton bale line of defense.

1815, Jan. 8
In the famous Battle of New Orleans, 9000 British attacked the 5000 Americans awaiting the assault in their prepared positions. Coffee's men held the left of the American line away from the Mississippi River. Cannon fire met the British at 500 yards. At rifle range the cannons stopped to clear the air. The riflemen waited until they could see the belt buckles of the British and opened fire. As one American fired, he would step back to reload and another would take his place. This steady fusillade tore apart the approaching British line. The accuracy and massed fire of Coffee's men drove the British back from that end of the line before Jackson could ride over to see. The British retreated with a loss of most of their officers and 2000 troops killed. Jackson lost 7 killed and 6 wounded. One Tennessee sharp-shooter killed a retreating Redcoat at 300 yards, who was making obscene gestures at the defenders.

1815, Apr.
Coffee's men returned to Nashville along the Natchez Trace where they were discharged. Samuel's bounty land application states that he fought in the Battle of New Orleans, and his Company disbanded in the Choctaw Nation on the way home.

Samuel married Elizabeth Mayberry.

1818
Iredell McKain, their son, was born.

1820
Malissa McKain was born.

1823
Samuel buys 43 acres from Edward Douglass.

1823, Mar. 15
Houston McKain was born.

1835
Samuel buys 32 acres from Norwal Douglas.

1837, Jan. 20
The Gallatin newspaper, "the Union", had an article about a dinner to be given to Tennessee troops fighting the Indians (Seminole War) when they return. Attending to the arrangements was Colonel S. McKain.

1838
John McKain was born. Census records at this time indicated that three other daughters and an older man were living with them, but names were not given.

1839
Samuel bought 160 acres of land in Yalobusha County, Mississippi (Coffeeville).

1840
The 1840 census mentions Samuel, his family, and two slaves.

1841, Sep.
Samuel McKain posts bond as the administrator of the estate of S. Hamilton.

1849
Samuel sells 67 acres, and from the description they appear to be on Station Camp Creek. Also this year he sells an adjoining 43 acres with the reservation that:

"A thirty foot strip is not to be cultivated, for that is where the graveyard is located".



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