The History of Hendricks County (Chicago: Interstate Publishing, 1885)--Washington Township, pages 747-748
Gilbert D. McClain is a native of Washington Township, born April 14, 1838, a son of Michael and Jane McClain, his father a native of Kentucky and his mother of Virginia. In 1832 his parents came to Hendricks County, Ind., making the journey on horseback through the dense forests and almost impassable roads. They settled in Washington Township, where the father died in 1856, his wife surviving till 1882. Of their family of ten children, nine are living--Mary A., James H., Niantia F., Susan J., Sarah A., Gilbert D., Bascom S., John W. and Jeretta B. Gilbert D. McClain was reared and educated in his native county. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the defense of the Union in Company K, Seventy-ninth Indiana Infantry, Army of the Cumberland, and served till June, 1865. He participated in the engagements at Murfreesboro, Perryville, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, siege of Atlanta, Franklin and siege of Nashville. After his return home he engaged in agricultural pursuits, at which he has been successful, and now owns 248 acres of valuable land. He was married Jan. 14, 1866, to Amanda Walker, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Walker. They have had a family of six children, two of whom are living--Bascom W. and Adrian R. Mr. McClain in politics is a Republican. He has served his township as Superintendent a year, and six years as School Director. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.