James McLean (Arkansas politician)

James McLean (born circa 1837, died 1901) was an American politician who served in the Arkansas House of Representatives. A Republican, McLean represented Phillips County during the Reconstruction era. He was a prominent figure in the Republican party in Phillips County and held several local offices, including serving as a Justice of the Peace. He also participated in the Arkansas Constitutional Convention of 1868, which drafted the state's constitution following the Civil War. During his time in the legislature, McLean advocated for policies aimed at improving the lives of African Americans and promoting equality. His political career was marked by both support and opposition from different segments of the population in a deeply divided post-Civil War Arkansas. After his time in the legislature, he continued to be involved in local politics and remained a respected figure in the African American community.