Born: February 1854 in New York
Died: April 2, 1915
Married: Mary J. (Surname Unknown), 1884
Children: Thomas E. McClelland, Charles Leon McClelland, James Leo McClelland, William "Gaylord" McClelland, Bessie "Hazel" (McClelland) Lytle
William McClelland was a son of James McClelland and Mary Elizabeth Wise, early settlers of Saranac Lake. He was a noted guide, and owned and operated the Raquette Falls Lodge near Raquette Falls.
Malone Farmer, April 7, 1915
William McClelland, who at one time conducted the Raquette House and entertained many distinguished people, including the Goulds, the Astors and even a foreign prince, died at his home in Saranac Lake last Friday. He was a son of the late Jas. McClelland, of that village.
Knickerbocker Press, April 11, 1915
ADIRONDACK GUIDE DIES AT SARANAC
William McClelland, Born in 1854, Lived All His Life in Woods.
CONDUCTED NOTED HOTEL
Register of Racquette Falls Inn
—Contains Names of Men Known All Over World.
SARANAC LAKE. April 10.—William McClelland, one of most noted of the old time guides and pioneers of the Adirondacks died here during the week. Mr. McClelland was born in 1854 near where the village of Saranac Lake now stands. At that time all this section of the mountains was a wilderness with but a handful of settlers, few roads and no signs of towns or a railroad.
Born and raised in the wilderness it was natural that upon reaching man-hood he chose the career of guide, soon becoming one of the most famous in the woods. Following the example of the late Paul Smith he entered the hotel field and for fifteen years conducted the Raquette Falls house. This rough woods Inn was on the main carry between the Old Forge waterway and the Saranac chain and Paul Smith's, and was in the very heart of a wild region which afforded his guests the finest fishing and hunting.
He had as guests many of the country's most famous men and on the old inn register are to be found such names as Jay Gould, the Asters and many other noted men of the day, both of this and other countries. Of late years he had been living in town with his family and was buried in the Saranac cemetery.
