Mayor 1869
James McLean died on 8 April 1912, aged 89 years following a long period of illness and was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at Armidale. His wife died several months earlier. Born at Castle Bar of Scottish parents in 1823, he arrived in the colony at the age of 20 years. Initially he moved to Wollongong but sixty five years ago moved to Armidale. His first business venture was manager at a flour milling plant. Later he became a shop keeper.
He took part in many matters concerning the welfare of the town and the Armidale Express, 9 April 1912 commented: 'he filled the (mayoral) office with dignity and intelligence'. He was a Justice of the Peace and filled the office for coroner for some twenty years. He also served the Presbyterian Church; donated a bell to the congregation and was a member of the Old Age Pension Board as well as a member of the Licensing Board. The brethren of the Masonic Lodge formed a Lodge of Sorrow at the ceremony and the officers and member so the Loyal Orange Lodge accompanied the funeral cortage.