William McClure was a prominent Indiana geologist and philanthropist. He arrived in New Harmony, Ind. in 1823 and his interest in education for the laboring classes led him to found the Workingmen's Institute there in 1838. While living in Mexico he made a will directing his property to be sold and the money used to build more institutes in Indiana and the Midwest. His brother Alexander disagreed with this and sold the land after McClure's death. The Indiana Supreme Court upheld the will and appointed Alvin P. Hovey as executor. Hovey distributed $150,000 to Workingmen's Institutes throughout Indiana.
From the description of Civil order book, 1840-1859. (Indiana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 21667723
