McClure, Alexander K. (Alexander Kelly), 1828-1909

McClure was a Republican politician and owner of a newspaper in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. He helped to influence the Pennsylvania delegates to vote for Abraham Lincoln at the 1860 Republican nominating convention. McClure was a major opponent of Simon Cameron.

From the description of Papers, January 3-24, 1861. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library). WorldCat record id: 137751501

Alexander K. McClure was a Pennsylvania newspaper publisher and politician. Born in Sherman's Valley, Pennsylvania, he was educated at home and public schools before becoming a tanner's apprentice at age fourteen. He soon entered the newspaper business, and was able to buy the Franklin Repository in 1852, giving him significant political clout within the commonwealth. He helped secure the Republican Presidential nomination for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, and served as assistant adjutant general during the war. He was a supporter and adviser to Grover Cleveland, and had wide influence in Pennsylvania politics. He was also a lawyer, served briefly in the Pennsylavnia senate, and published several volumes of memoirs.

From the description of Alex K. McClure letter to Miss Dorothy De Horsey, 1902 March 29. (Pennsylvania State University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 137301037