William Clark McLean was born on 8 April 1843 near Cambridge, New York, where many of his ancestors had resided since shortly after the Revolution. He had originally pursued a career in dentistry, engaged in an apprenticeship in the office of Dr. William Newcomb of Cambridge, before enlisting in the army on 8 August 1862 to serve three years. He mustered in as a corporal in Company G of the 123rd New York Regiment of the Infantry. He was promoted in rank to Sergeant-Major on 27 March 1865. He mustered out with the regiment on 8 June 1865 near Washington, D.C. The 123rd Infantry, known as the Washington County Regiment, was involved in several significant battles and campaigns of the Civil War, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kenesaw Mountain, (Ga.), Atlanta, and Sherman's March to the Sea.
Shortly after mustering out of military service he returned to Cambridge, where he stayed only for a while before moving west. He first settled in Nebraska, where he was married and raised four children. Later, the family moved to Upland, California. He died in the Soldiers Hospital, Sawtelle, California, 19 January 1924.
From the description of Papers, 1789-1944, bulk 1861-1865. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 122537254
