Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In business with Merediths & Clymer, successful merchants. Married Elizabeth Meredith in 1765, sister of Samuel Meredith, first Treasurer of the United States. He was a signer of the Declaration of Independence and of the Constitution. Captain of a company of volunteers during the war.

Clymer served jointly with Michael Hillegas as the first Continental Treaurers from July 29, 1775, to August 6, 1776. He resigned to serve in Congress until September 14, 1777. He served in Congress again November 24, 1780, to November 12, 1782. Elected to the state house of representatives 1785 to 1788. Delegate to the constitutional convention in 1787. Elected to the Congress and served March 4, 1789, to March 3, 1791. First president of the Philadelphia Bank.

He died in Morrisville, Pennsylvania.

bio: ApCAB; BDC; DAB; Drake; NCAB 3; TCBDA; WWWA-H