Samuel Foster McCleary (April 28, 1780 – January 12, 1855) was an American attorney and government official who served as Boston’s first city clerk.
[1] McCleary attended the North Grammar School and was one of Boston's first Franklin Medal scholars.
[2] McCleary studied law in the office of Harrison Gray Otis and was admitted to the bar in 1808.
[2] In addition to practicing law, McCleary was also an active member of the Federalist Party.
[1][2] In 1822, Senate president John Phillips was elected the first Mayor of Boston and he chose McCleary to serve as the first city clerk.