Served with Company C, 30th Alabama Infantry during the Civil War
1870 farming in Lincoln, Talladega Co, AL
1880 Census Methodist minister, preaching in the Jordan community, Beat 12 Coosa Co., AL, ED 53, written page 12, June 10, 1880
1900 Census Oakman community, Precinct 9, Walker Co., AL, ED 144, written Sheet 19, printed 146A, June 28, 1900
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History of Methodism in Alabama and West Florida, pp 171-172, Memoirs T.B. McCain
Marion Elias Lazenby, History of Methodism in Alabama and West Florida, (Being an account of the Amazing March of Methodism through Alabama and West Florida, 1960).
"…His early days were spent in the village of Lincoln, and his boyhood was vibrant with life. The youth was counted a splendid comrade, for he was open, cordial, bold and was ever ready to lead the sport down on the river, out through the woods and among the villagers.
At the close of the war his wild spirit led him to engage in daring exploits which took him away from home. He wandered across the ocean, and in distant lands his career was chequered with bold adventures. This brought him associations that he afterwards regretted.
Back home again, he was converted in the old Pine Grove Meeting House in Calhoun County. Rev. RS Timmons was his pastor. The change was radical and he cherished the experience throughout his life. He joined the M E Church, South. His nature was so intense that he must needs throw all his mind and soul and strength into the life he lived. It is not strange that he responded to a call to preach, and sought the itinerant ranks. He joined the North Alabama Conference in November, 1876 and served the following churches:
1880 North Alabama and Circuit in Coosa County, Camp Hill, Good water
1886-91 Pelham, Leeds, Jonesboro
1892-93 Walnut Grove
1894-96 Hartselle
1897 Carbon Hill
1898-99 Oakman
1900-01 Calera
1902-03 Woodstock, Johns & Adger
1904-05 Athens Circuit
1906-07 Oneonta
1908 Gaylesville
1909-10 Pratt City Circuit (PO Sandusky and PO Pratt City, R2)
1911 Brookwood (PO Tuscaloosa) or Millport
1912 Feb 22, died Fayette, Alabama
….He prided himself on keeping his promises. ….In rare degree Brother McCain possessed the grace of cheerfulness. …
As a preacher Brother McCain was earnest and fervent. He had great appreciation of the doctrines of his church and he loved to preach on them….he was never well after going to Millport. But he continued to preach when other men would have been in bed. Once he broke down and cried. It was when he heard the church bell, and the doctor would not let him go to his pulpit. After weeks of suffering he was brought to a Birmingham infirmary where he died…We buried him in Fayette, Alabama, a town he loved more than any other, for it is filled with people who will Cherish the loving memory of Brother Bowden McCain."
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