Alexander Kelly McClure was an influential American politician, journalist, and author whose career spanned the critical decades of the mid-to-late nineteenth century. Born in Pennsylvania in 1828, McClure established himself as a powerful voice in state and national politics, serving multiple terms in both the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and the Pennsylvania State Senate. His political alignment shifted over time, but he is most famously remembered as a staunch supporter and close associate of President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War.\n\nBeyond his legislative career, McClure was a highly influential figure in American journalism. He edited the Franklin Repository in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and later co-founded and edited the Philadelphia Times. Through these publications, he wielded significant editorial influence, shaping public opinion on key political and social issues of his era. His writings often reflected his deep engagement with the political landscape of the Union and the Reconstruction period.\n\nAs an author, McClure's literary contributions were deeply intertwined with his political experiences. He wrote extensively about his recollections of the Civil War era and his personal interactions with key historical figures. His most notable literary legacy is his work as a biographer of Abraham Lincoln, providing valuable contemporary insights into the president's life and leadership. His enduring impact on Pennsylvania history is commemorated by the borough of McClure and the Alexander K. McClure School in Philadelphia, both named in his honor.
