in 1871, at the 17th annual illinois state fair, mcclernand's colt, zenith, won first place in the "best stallion colt, 2 years old" category. the prize was $25. mcclernand served as district judge of the sangamon (illinois) district from 1870 to 1873, and was president of the 1876 democratic national convention. mcclernand's last public service was on a federal advisory board overseeing the utah territory. despite his resignation, he was able to receive an army pension due to an act of congress.