Which founder became clerk of the San Jose legislature?

• A. John Templeton McCarty
• B. Samuel Beatty Wilson
• C. James Elliot Jr.
• D. Naaman Fletcher

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is understanding what a clerk does in a legislature: keep the records, take the minutes, and handle the administrative paperwork that keeps the body's actions official and organized. Among the founders named, John Templeton McCarty fit that role because he was deeply involved in establishing San Jose’s government and was trusted with documenting its proceedings. His combination of being a founder and having the administrative capability to manage records made him the natural choice for the clerk position. The other founders contributed in various ways, but records and official documentation are what distinguish the clerk, which is why McCarty is identified in this role.