History of Clyde, (Sandusky County) Ohio United States of America

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General James Birdseye McPherson was born at Clyde, Sandusky county, Ohio, November 14th, 1828. His father, William McPherson, was of Scotch-Irish descent, and his mother, Cynthia (Russell) McPherson, was a native of Massachusetts. They were married near Canandaigua, New York, and removed shortly thereafter to Ohio. Here they settled on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres, near where the village of Clyde now stands, and built a frame house and blacksmith shop, and the husband divided his time between working in the latter and clearing his farm. Four years after their arrival the future general was born. He grew up among the surroundings of a backwoods life, a hardy and vigorous lad, working in the various departments of farm labor. The father became unfortunate in business, and with this blow came the keener one of failing health. The family were compelled to struggle the best they could. James, the eldest, was thirteen years of age at the time, and a bright, intelligent lad. He obtained a position with Robert Smith, postmaster and storekeeper at Green Spring, the next village, where he helped to lighten the burdens of his mother. In this place he remained for six years as store-boy and clerk. He was trustworthy and industrious, and liked by all with whom he came in contact. After the first year or two at the store he attended school in the winter, and it was always a regret with him that he could not attend more regularly. He was an admirable penman, and relied much upon this to pass examination for West Point. He was very anxious to improve his education and general knowledge, and greedily devoured books of all kinds. The vision of an appointment to West Point induced him to enter the academy at Norwalk for a couple of sessions of preparatory study. He was now nineteen, and he was fearful lest this and his lack of education would militate against him in his ambition to secure the coveted prize. He secured it, however, and entered the academy a few months before attaining his majority. Among his classmates was one with whom in conflict he was afterwards to meet death--James B. Hood. Another classmate was Philip H. Sheridan. Others, whose names were afterwards distinguished in the late war, were also in the class with this backwoods boy. He was a remarkably apt scholar, especially in scientific studies, and ranked high as a well-behaved student. Graduating at the head of his class, he was assigned to the engineers. He was kept at the academy for a year as Assistant Professor of Practical Engineering. For three years he was engaged in engineering duty on the Atlantic coast, mostly at the New York harbor. For three years and a half he had charge of the fortifications in the harbor of San Francisco. He had developed into an accomplished engineer. He was very affectionate in the family circle, thoroughly enjoyed his visits home, where he was almost worshiped. His father had died before his appointment to West Point. As is the case very generally with regular army officers, he was conservative in politics, and had a dislike for extremists, especially abolitionists. At the breaking out of the war he was in California, and he wrote to his mother a letter couched in honest patriotism. After personal application he obtained orders to come East in the summer of 1861, and was assigned to engineer duty in Boston harbor, and in August was made a Captain of Engineers. When Halleck went West he was promoted to a Lieutenant-Colonelcy of Volunteers, and assigned to his staff. This was in November of the above year. When Grant moved on Forts Henry and Donelson, he was there as Brevet Major and Chief-Engineer of the expeditionary forces. Here his health gave way from exposure, and he was compelled to seek medical assistance for a time. When he returned to duty early in the spring, he bore with him the instructions to Grant for the movement up the Tennessee. For efficient service in this disastrous campaign, ending at Pittsburgh Landing, he was promoted to a Lieutenant Colonelcy in the regulars and a Colonelcy in the volunteers, and again placed on Halleck's staff, this time as Chief-Engineer to the armies moving against Corinth. Though he did his work faithfully and well, he afterwards disapproved of the plans of his superior. When the latter was summoned to Washington as General-in-Chief, the young staff-officer remained behind, and shortly after, on the recommendation of General Grant, was made a Brigadier-General of Volunteers, that he might become Military Superintendent of Railroads. He remained, however, on Grant's staff until after the battle of Iuka. With a hastily formed brigade, he did good service in the relief of Rosecrans at Corinth. His gallantry soon after won him a Major-General's epaulettes. He was now called upon to leave his duties as a railroad engineer, and in testimony of appreciation his old subordinates gave him a parting supper, at which he was presented with a horse, saddle, bridle and sword. At this happy scene Grant, Logan, and many other rising officers were present. After his promotion he was assigned to the district of Bolivar. Here he furnished much information to Grant in shaping his first Vicksburg campaign. By order of the latter he made a successful reconnaissance to discover the enemy's strength. His services were so well appreciated that he was placed in command of the entire right wing of the army of the Tennessee, and assigned to the advance. When the movement upon Vicksburg by way of the Mississippi commenced, he was reorganizing his command at Vicksburg, which had been much weakened by the loss of supplies by the surrender at Holly Springs, and which necessitated long marches and short rations. He was prominent and active in this memorable campaign, and was one of the most successful officers in his operations. Indeed, many writers have placed upon his brow the laurels of that great Union victory. On recommendation of Grant he was made a Brigadier-General in the regular army. At one time hints were thrown out that he was too kind to rebel prisoners and had sympathies of a Southern character, but they are hardly worthy of passing notice. He was presented with a "gold medal of honor" by the Board of Honor for his military successes. At the opening of the Atlanta campaign he had secured the reenlistment of his corps. That memorable campaign was his last. He took a conspicuous part in the movement on Atlanta, doing noble service for his country. He had been galloping hither and thither, giving orders and directing movements, when he ran into the fatal trap. He was riding from the 16th toward his own corps, the 17th, which he had heard was being badly pressed, when he came suddenly upon a skirmish line of rebels, and was ordered to halt. Pausing a moment, he dashed into a wood, followed by a volley of bullets. A shot entered his right lung and shattered the spine. His charger, wounded in two places, galloped among his men, and mutely told the sorrowful story. The wound was necessarily fatal, and he was found an hour afterwards, conscious, but unable to speak. His horse had probably carried him too far for the rebels to follow. His men fought terribly to revenge his loss, and drove back the rebel assault with great loss. The entire army was bowed in grief after the battle. He was killed July 22d, 1864, in the full strength of manhood. In personal appearance he was a splendid specimen of a soldier, over six feet high, well developed, and with graceful carriage. His loss was a terrible blow to his family, of which he was the idol. He was buried in the orchard of the old homestead at Clyde At the time he met his death he was betrothed to a young lady of Baltimore.

From: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio of the Nineteenth Century. Columbus, OH, USA: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1876.

History of Clyde, (Sandusky County) Ohio

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