I find it difficult to believe he actually served as a Lieutenant. He enlisted as a Private about the time the regiment was formed in 1861 and was listed as a Private as late as August, 31 1864.

As near as I can assess, J. B. Wilkinson was still serving as 1st Lieutenant at that time, and Samuel Gillespie as the 2nd Lieutenant. F. M. Pope, 3rd Lieutenant, died July 20, 1864 at Manassas, His position was recorded as Vacant on an October 24, 1864 report.

The only document showing John McClain as a Lieutenant was a record of his receiving an issue of clothing September 20, 1864.

It would be helpful if he had filed for a pension, however, it would seem that he may have not been eligible unless he was considered indigent.

I see on the internet that he later served as a Sheriff in Lafayette, Georgia. There may be some newspaper clipping which mentions his civil war service and also he may have been a member of his local United Confederate Veteran (UCV) Camp which could contain his service data.

And then, his rank may be inscribed on his tombstone.

A good read on his 3rd Tennessee Infantry regiment is found at:

http://www.tngenweb.org/civilwar/csainf/vaughn.html

I am writing the history of a sister regiment, the 43rd Tennessee Infantry and have information on the 3rd Tennessee’s service.

George Martin
ggmartin55@att.net