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.
