Born in Smyrna, Delaware. Entered the navy as a midshipman at age 12. Cruised for a year on the Philadelphia under Stephen Decatur. He left the navy in 1801 to attend Newark College but did not graduate. He studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1807. Married Catherine Mary Milligan in 1812.

Elected to the House of Representatives in 1817 and later to the Senate. He resigned from the Senate in 1829 to accept an appointment as minister to England.

McLane was appointed Secretary of the Treasury and served August 8, 1831, to May 28, 1833. He was a supporter of the bank of the United States and opposed the policies of Jackson. He was appointed Secretary of State and served May 29, 1833, to June 30, 1834. After leaving public office he was president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad 1837 to 1847. He died in Baltimore.

bio: ApCAB; BDC; BDEB; DAB; Drake; TCBDA; WWWA-H