James Birdseye McPherson was a career United States Army officer who served as a general in the Union Army during the Civil War.
He was born in Ohio in 1828 and graduated from West Point in 1853.
After graduating, he was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and held minor army assignments until the outbreak of the Civil War.
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McPherson quickly rose through the ranks of the Union Army, and by 1863, he was a major general.
He served under Ulysses S. Grant at the Battle of Shiloh and the Vicksburg Campaign. In 1864, he was given command of the Army of the Tennessee, and he led the army during the Atlanta Campaign.
McPherson was killed in action on July 22, 1864, during the Battle of Atlanta.
He was shot by a Confederate sharpshooter while riding his horse. His death was a major loss to the Union Army, and it is said that Grant was so grief-stricken that he refused to shave for several days.
McPherson was a highly respected general, and he was known for his intelligence, his energy, and his ability to get along with his subordinates.
He was also a strong advocate for the rights of African Americans, and he believed that they should be granted full citizenship after the war.
McPherson's death was a major blow to the Union cause, but his legacy lives on.
He is remembered as one of the most talented and promising generals of the Civil War, and his story is a reminder of the sacrifices that were made to preserve the Union.
Read Article: Famous Civil War Generals
Family Overview
His family was originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but probably came from Scottish ancestry.
His father moved from Lancaster to New York, where he met James Birdseye McPherson's mother. The two would have four children, and each would serve in the Civil War.
Unfortunately, William, James's father, died before he was 20 years old.
James Birdseye McPherson would not have any children, and his engagement was a tragedy. His original home, along with his story, is located in Clyde, Ohio, with the well
Family Tree Chart
Parents:
William McPherson (1796 - 1847) - He was originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, but would migrate to New York. He and his wife would have four children.
Cynthia Russell (1805 - 1883) - She was born in New York and would eventually travel with her children to Ohio, where she would die.
Spouse:
Emily Hoffman (1839 - 1891) - This was a heartbreaking story. The two were supposed to be married, and James Birdseye McPherson was scheduled to return to Clyde, Ohio, to marry her. However, William Sherman denied his request due to the upcoming Atlanta Campaign. He wrote Emily a letter explaining his reasons and for her to be patient and McPherson would return soon. Unfortunately, James McPherson died shortly after due to a bullet from a soldier in John Bell Hood's army. Hood was McPherson's former roommate.
Children: None due to death prior to his marriage.
Siblings:
Emeline McPherson (1830 - 1884) - She was the oldest sister of James but the younger sibling. She married and had three children.
Russell Bigelow McPherson (1832 - 1877) - He was named after his mother's maiden name. He never married and was a Civil War veteran.
William H. McPherson (1835 - 1871) - He was also never married and a veteran of the Civil War. He died prior to his brother.