Edward McPherson

Edward McPherson was an American politician and newspaper editor who served as a U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 17th congressional district during the late 19th century. A member of the Republican Party, McPherson was elected to two terms in the United States House of Representatives from 1859 until 1863. He was also notable for his role as Clerk of the House of Representatives, a position he held for three non-consecutive terms. In addition to his political career, McPherson was involved in efforts to preserve the Gettysburg Battlefield, reflecting his deep ties to the community of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised.

Early life and career

Edward McPherson was born on July 31, 1830, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. His early education included studies in law and botany at Pennsylvania College, where he graduated as valedictorian in 1848. Following his graduation, McPherson began his professional career in law, initially working in the firm of Thaddeus Stevens in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. During this time, he became associated with the Whig Party, which was a significant political force in the United States before the emergence of the Republican Party.

Due to health issues, McPherson left his law practice and transitioned into journalism. In 1851, he took on the role of editor for the Harrisburg American, and subsequently, he edited the Lancaster Independent Whig until 1854. His editorial career continued with the establishment of the Pittsburgh Evening Times in 1855, a newspaper aligned with the American Party. By 1856, McPherson returned to Gettysburg, where he resumed his legal career and inherited his father's farm along the Chambersburg Turnpike.

His political career began to take shape when he was elected to the United States Congress as a Republican in 1859. McPherson's involvement in politics was further solidified when he became a member of the Republican National Committee in 1860, reflecting his commitment to the party's principles during a tumultuous period in American history.

House tenure

Edward McPherson served in the 36th and 37th Congresses from 1859 until March 1863. During his time in the House of Representatives, he was a member of the Committee on Military Affairs and the Joint Committee on the Library. His legislative focus was likely influenced by the ongoing Civil War, which began shortly after his election. McPherson's district, which included Adams, Franklin, Fulton, Bedford, and Juniata counties, underwent changes during his tenure, particularly as the political landscape shifted with the war's progression.

In addition to his congressional duties, McPherson played a significant role in military organization at the onset of the Civil War. He organized Company K of the First Pennsylvania Reserves, demonstrating his commitment to the Union cause. However, his political career faced challenges, including a defeat in the 1862 election. This loss was attributed to the expansion of his congressional district, which included areas with opposing Radical Republican sentiments.

Following his departure from Congress, McPherson was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as Deputy Commissioner of Revenue in 1863, a position that allowed him to continue his public service during the war. His involvement in the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association further highlighted his dedication to preserving the historical significance of the Civil War, particularly in his hometown.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, McPherson's legislative focus was largely shaped by the context of the Civil War and its aftermath. As a member of the Committee on Military Affairs, he was involved in discussions and decisions regarding military policies and the management of resources during a critical time for the nation. His role on the Joint Committee on the Library also indicated his interest in the preservation and accessibility of historical documents and resources, which would have been particularly relevant given the ongoing conflict and the need for documentation of events.

After his congressional service, McPherson continued to influence American politics and public life in various capacities. He presided over the Republican National Convention in 1876, further solidifying his standing within the party. His appointment as director of the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing from 1877 to 1878 marked another significant role in public service, where he oversaw the production of currency and government documents.

In addition to his political roles, McPherson returned to journalism, serving as the editor of the Philadelphia Press from 1877 until 1880, and later as the editor of the New York Tribune Almanac from 1877 until his death in 1895. His editorial work reflected his ongoing engagement with public discourse and the dissemination of information during a period of significant change in the United States.

McPherson's legacy includes his efforts to preserve the Gettysburg Battlefield and his contributions to the political landscape of his time. He served multiple terms as Clerk of the House of Representatives, with his final term concluding in 1891. His involvement in various political and civic organizations, including the Edward McPherson Society, which honors his contributions, underscores the impact he had on both his local community and the broader national context.

Edward McPherson passed away on December 14, 1895, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, due to accidental poisoning. He was interred at Evergreen Cemetery in Adams County. His life and career reflect a commitment to public service, journalism, and the preservation of history, particularly in relation to the Civil War and its enduring legacy in American society.