The following information was assembled from numerous sources and cannot be used directly as proof of Qualifying Service or Lineage.
It is considered a research aid and is intended to assist in locating sources that can be used as proof.
State of Service: PA
Qualifying Service: Colonel / Civil Service
Also known asUpper Octorara Old Side Presbyterian Cemetery
The prefix "Upper" was subsequently given to distinguish it from Middle Octorara, in Lancaster County, and Lower Octorara, now lower West Nottingham.
Directions to Cemetery / Gravesite:
The Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church, in Sadsbury Township, one mile north of Parkesburg, was organized in 1720.
Author: Francis Graham Montrose McGill
Robert McPherson was a member of one of the most prominent Adams County, Pennsylvania families. He was born in 1730 and, along with his parents, migrated from Scotland through Ireland, arriving in Philadelphia and settling in the Marsh Creek area of Western York County at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Adams County was separated from York County in 1800.
Adams County records describe McPherson as a highly respected local leader and a man of great influence and conviction. In 1755 he was named Treasurer of York County and later became the Sheriff, Commissioner, and Justice of the Peace. He also served three years in the Pennsylvania Legislature, where he played a crucial role in the erection of the new government of Pennsylvania. McPherson was elected from York County and was instrumental in the formation of the Pennsylvania state constitution at Carpenter’s Hall. However, he entered the military before the work was completed and therefore does not appear as one of the constitution’s signers.
He resigned as Commissioner in 1758 and accepted a commission as Captain of the 3rd Battalion of Provincial forces, serving under General Forbes on his expedition against Fort Duquesne. He also fought against Native American warriors in New York and around Philadelphia.
When the Revolutionary War broke out, McPherson was one of the early and ardent supporters of the cause for independence. In 1775, he was commissioned Colonel of the 2nd Battalion of York County, also a part of Lieutenant McDowell’s 7th Pennsylvania Regiment. He later became a member of General George Washington’s personal staff, and was known as ‘Master of the Horse.’
After his military service, he was appointed Quartermaster General for western York County, served in the new State Assembly, was an incorporator of Dickinson College, and remained a trustee until his death. He owned five farms containing over 1,000 acres in Cumberland Township, known as “Manor of Maske.”
Together with his wife, Agnes Miller, they had nine children, three of whom also served in the Revolutionary War. One son, Captain William McPherson, fought at the Battle of Long Island and was imprisoned on a British ship for two years. Colonel Robert was finally successful in paying a gold ransom to gain his son’s release. Lieutenant William continued to serve in the war effort, later as an Aide to General Lafayette.
Another of his sons who served was Colonel John McPherson. His service involved spending a great deal of time in Frederick, Maryland, where he was involved with various matters associated with the Hessian soldiers quartered there. After the war, Colonel John remained in Frederick, married Sarah Smith, and had nine children. Colonel John was a very astute businessman, at one time known as the largest landowner in Western Maryland. Many of the properties he once owned remain today as some of the finest examples of architecture of those times. In 1825 during his famous tour of America, General Lafayette was a guest for three days at the home of Colonel John McPherson in downtown Frederick.
Colonel Robert McPherson died in 1798 at his home from paralysis at age 59. The Pennsylvania Gazette called him a ‘distinguished patriot who filled many public offices with honor and trust, and with reputation to himself and his constituents.’
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