The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Washington Township, page 747
Bascom S. McClain, a prominent farmer of Washington Township, is a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born July 1, 1840, a son of Michael and Jane McClain. He was reared on his father's farm, remaining at home till after the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, when he was one of the many brave boys of Hendricks to enlist in defense of the Union. He was a member of Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and participated in many of the most important battles of the war, serving till May, 1865. After his discharge he returned to his native county, where he has since engaged in agricultural pursuits. He owns a valuable farm of 160 acres and is surrounded with all the comforts of life. He was married Sept. 7, 1865, to Rhoda J. Ritter, daughter of James and Rachel Ritter, both of whom are deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. McClain have been born four children--Ethel, Hoyt, Glen and Mary O., the latter deceased. Mr. McClain is a member of Plainfield Post, G.A.R. In politics he is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, which he has served as Steward many years.