Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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McLean, John 1785-1861

Jurist; born in Morris county, N. J., March 11, 1785. His father removed first to Virginia, then to Kentucky, and in 1799 settled in Warren county, O. John labored on a farm until he was sixteen years old, receiving a scanty education; studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1807, and was a member of Congress from 1813 to 1816. He was a supporter of Madison's administration, and from 1816 to 1822 was a judge of the Supreme Court of Ohio. In 1822 he was made commissioner of the general land-office, and in 1823 Postmaster-General. In 1830 he became a justice of the United States Supreme Court, and was always known as an advocate for the freedom of the slaves. In the Dred Scott case (q. v.), Judge McLean dissented from the opinion of Chief-Justice Taney. He died in Cincinnati, O., April 4, 1861.