Most of the papers in this collection belonged to William McPherson, Jr. and Alexander McPherson and include land records, deeds, receipts, lists of lands for sale, maps, and correspondence concerning their timber lands purchase and sales business.
Biography:
William McPherson, Jr. (March 9, 1834-January 3, 1915) bought Michigan timberlands that were available due to taxes being owed on them, and sold the timber to timber/lumber companies. At various times he owned property in multiple Michigan counties and townships. He was joined in his business ventures by Alexander McPherson, Thomas Birkett, and Nardell P. Galloway. William married Jennie M. Ranney (1836-1905). Together they had son Frederick (1860-1878), and probably a second son, Hugh A. McPherson.
Hugh A. McPherson (1864-September 20, 1945), was a 33rd degree Mason and the receiver at Pontiac Commercial Savings and Loan Bank, Pontiac, Michigan. He married Claudia (1870-1957) and together they had two children.
Alexander McPherson (June 7, 1836-July 23, 1917) was William’s business partner, and probably also his brother. Alexander married Julia C. Ellsworth (1840-1917). The McPhersons are buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Howell Michigan. (Information from the book, Howell, Mich. Lakeview Cemetery Tombstone Inscriptions Sections A-H. No further information is available on the family.)
Thomas Birkett was part of Birkett Manufacturing Company, Dover Mills and Birkett Pulp Mills in Dexter, Washtenaw County, Michigan, in the 1880s. No information is available on Galloway.
