Parents: Hezikiah McPherson and Malinda Rector

As the American Civil War began, James, his father and his older brother Hardin joined the Confederate Army in Newton County, Missouri, on September 12, 1862. He was promoted to First Lieutenant in Company F, 3rd Regiment, Sixth Missouri Calvary, October 1, 1862. He was wounded in the arm at the Battle of Cane Hill, Arkansas, November 28, 1862.

James did not rejoin his family until the war ended. He spent the rest of his life moving between Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and finally, Texas again as a livestock farmer. Many of the early moves were from postwar sentiments. At 81 years of age he succumbed to an extended bout of influenza toward the end of the world Spanish Flu Epidemic.

1900 Census, Justice Precinct 7, Hamilton, Texas
Household Gender Age Birthplace
Head James Mcpherson M 61 Tennessee
Wife Sallie M Mcpherson F 49 Alabama
Son Alford F Mcpherson M 25 Texas
Son Barton Mcpherson M 19 Texas
Son James M Mcpherson M 13 Texas
Stepdaughter Ola Mea Fowler F 22 Texas

The Hamilton Record, November 19, 1920

Pioneer Citizen of Hamilton County Dead

After a lingering illness extending over some twelve months, God called James Madison McPherson, at the advanced age of 81 years, last Tuesday morning, November 15 at 1:15 o’clock. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. Cephas Sparks, in Hamilton where he had been living for some months, tenderly watched over and cared for that nothing was left undone, that was conducive to his comfort or perhaps would aid in his recovery.

Mr. McPherson had been living in Hamilton County 42 years, the greater part of which time he resided on his farm and ranch property in the Pottsville Community. He was a good man and was honored by all who knew him. He was a member of the Pottsville Primitive Baptist Church and his life was exemplary in every way.

He was twice married and leaves here on earth five sons and two daughters. His sons are Charley, Jim, Bart, Alfred, and Lem McPherson. Mrs. J. C. Sparks (Mary Alice McPherson Sparks) of Hamilton and Mrs. May Stewart of Hico are his daughters.

The body was laid to rest in the Pottsville Cemetery Tuesday afternoon at 3:30, Elder A. P. Koen conducting the funeral services.

The tenderest sympathy is extended to all who knew and them that mourn and walk and watch for the glad hour of reunion.