Samuel McLean (August 7, 1826 – June 11, 1877) was an American politician from Montana who served as a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from Montana Territory from 1865 to 1867.
Early Life and Career
Samuel McLean was born on August 7, 1826. He moved to the Montana Territory during the period of westward expansion and became involved in the civic and political affairs of the territory. Montana Territory had been established in 1864, and McLean was among the early political leaders to represent the territory at the federal level.
Congressional Career
McLean was elected as a Democrat to serve as a Delegate to the United States House of Representatives from Montana Territory. He served from December 7, 1865, to March 3, 1867. As a territorial delegate, he advocated for Montana’s interests in Congress during the post-Civil War period, working on issues related to territorial governance, land policy, and the development of the mining and ranching economy that defined early Montana.
Later Life and Legacy
After his service in Congress, McLean continued to be involved in Montana Territory affairs. He died on June 11, 1877. His service as one of Montana’s earliest territorial delegates placed him among the foundational political figures of the state, which would not achieve statehood until 1889.
Congressional Record
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