Born on July 12, 1758, in Rockbridge County, Colony of Virginia, British America,[1] McClung graduated from Liberty Hall Academy (now Washington and Lee University) in 1785 and read law.
[1] McClung was nominated by President John Adams on February 21, 1801, to the United States Circuit Court for the Sixth Circuit, to a new seat authorized by 2 Stat. 89.
[1] He was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 24, 1801, and received his commission the same day.
[1] His service terminated on July 1, 1802, due to abolition of the court.
[1] Following his departure from the federal bench, McClung was a Judge of the Kentucky Circuit Court in Nelson County until 1811.