MEAFORD - The death about 6 o'clock on Tuesday evening of Mr. Samuel McClain, the well known auctioneer and town wharfinger, came as a complete surprise to the citizens of the town, the majority of whom were not even aware that he had been indisposed. Mr. McClain was taken suddenly ill with pneumonia on Saturday whilst discharging his duties at the wharf office and had to be taken to his home in a conveyance. Medical aid was immediately summoned, but despite all that could be done for him he gradually became weaker, and as a last resort a consultation of local physicians was held on his case, though unfortunately without avail.
   The decease's boyhood days were spent at Cloverhill, near Cookstown, where his father, the late John McLain, successfully followed the occupation of farming for many years. While a young man he came to Meaford, and 1868 was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Hill, daughter of the late John Hill. Subsequently he went to reside at Cookstown, where he acted as implement agent for the late Wm. Train, of Thompsonville, returning to Meaford after a few years. As an auctioneer he was widely known to the farming community, and his sales were always successful principally because he had a systematic way of conducting his business. He could aways keep a crowd in good humour by his well known geniality and natural wit.
   In addition to auctioneering, Mr. McLain was for a number of years employed at different periods as salesman with several dry goods firms in town. At the time of his death he was town wharfinger, which office he held for seven or eight years continuously, discharging his duties so efficiently that his re-appointment each year was regarded as a forgone conclusion by the business community and public at large.
   The deceased was a member of Ancient Order of Foresters and held the office of Chief. Ranger at different times. He also belonged to the Sons of Scotland being a charter member of the Meaford Camp, which is now extinct.