Representative Finis Ewing McLean

Finis Ewing McLean (February 19, 1806 – April 12, 1881) was a United States Representative from Kentucky and a member of the Whig Party who served one term in Congress during a pivotal period in nineteenth-century American politics. He was born on February 19, 1806, near Russellville in Logan County, Kentucky. Raised in a rural setting, he attended local country schools and later pursued further studies at Lebanon Academy in Logan County. He was part of a politically connected family, being the brother of John McLean and the uncle of James David Walker, both of whom were also active in public life.

After completing his early education, McLean studied law and was admitted to the bar. In 1827 he commenced the practice of law in Elkton, Kentucky, where he established himself as an attorney. Alongside his legal career, he engaged in agricultural pursuits, reflecting the dual professional and agrarian character common among many Kentucky lawyers and public men of his era.

McLean entered public office at the state level before serving in the national legislature. In 1837 he was a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, participating in the governance of his home state during a period of economic and political adjustment following the Panic of 1837. His legislative experience in Frankfort helped to establish his credentials within the Whig Party and prepared him for higher office.

As a member of the Whig Party representing Kentucky, McLean contributed to the legislative process during one term in the United States Congress. He was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-first Congress and served from March 4, 1849, to March 3, 1851. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history marked by debates over slavery, territorial expansion, and the Compromise of 1850. During this time he participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his Kentucky constituents in the House of Representatives.

After leaving Congress at the conclusion of his term in 1851, McLean resumed the practice of law and continued to engage in agricultural pursuits in Kentucky. He maintained the combined professional life of lawyer and farmer that had characterized his pre-congressional career, remaining active in local affairs even as national politics grew increasingly sectional in the 1850s.

In 1860 McLean moved westward to Andrew County, Missouri, where he devoted himself primarily to farming. He remained there through the Civil War years, continuing his agricultural activities until 1865. That year he relocated to Greencastle, Indiana, marking the final major move of his life. In Greencastle he lived in retirement from public office, and it was there that he died on April 12, 1881. Finis Ewing McLean was buried in Forest Hill Cemetery in Greencastle, Indiana.