Rifleman Rev. Thomas James McClelland was born circa 1848 near Toronto, son of Alexander McClelland and his wife Elizabeth.

He graduated from Upper Canada College in 1866 when he entered the dry goods business and joined No. 7 Company of The Queen’s Own Rifles. He was present at the Battle of Ridgeway. He is listed on the 7 June, Stratford; and the August 1866, Thorold; January 1867, Toronto;  nominal rolls. Discharged 1 Aug 1868.

Shortly after he moved to the US, he attended divinity school and eventually became a Presbyterian clergyman.  He was a member of the Masonic Order, the International Order of Foresters, and the Ancient Order of United Workman.

He died 5 January 1891 in Shelburne, Ontario and is buried in Mt Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto plot M 42 6.