Born in Green Crack Township, Sandusky County, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at the head of his class. Promoted to second lieutenant December 18, 1854, and first lieutenant December 13, 1858. Promoted to brigadier general of volunteers May 15, 1862, major general of volunteers October 8, 1862, assigned to command the 2nd Division, Department of the Tennessee, promoted to brigadier general of the regular army August 1, 1863.

McPherson succeeded Grant in command of the Military Division of the Mississippi. He received orders at Sherman's headquarters. As he was returning to his own troops he came across enemy skirmishers and was killed near Atlanta, Georgia. He was the highest ranking officer to die in the war. He had been engaged to be married but was refused a leave for the marriage.

McPherson was honored with a medal (Julian UN-3) for the Society Army of the Tennessee.

bio: ApCAB; DAB; Drake; NCAB 4; TCBDA; WWWA-H