McPherson, John William (Jack) (1861-1939)

MCPHERSON

Posted By: C. Tucker (email)
Date: 11/13/2014 at 16:22:52

Times Republican
Marshalltown, IA [11-30-1939] p. 9

FIRST DEMOCRATIC SHERIFF OF THIS COUNTY IS DEAD

J. W. (Jack) McPherson, first democrat ever elected sheriff of Marshall county, died Tuesday night at his home in Des Moines where he had lived for the past 33 years. Mr. McPherson had been suffering with diabetes in recent years and submitted to the amputation of one leg three years ago. He was 78 years old. As a salesman for the old Britain & Company packing firm in the 80s and later as manager of a Main street retail store for the company here, Jack McPherson had a wide acquaintance in Marshall county and his personal popularity accounted for his election as sheriff at a time when it was considered impossible for a democrat to be elected to any office in this county. He was elected to office Nov. 2, 1897, defeating the incumbent, Capt. W. D. Mills, and served only one term, being defeated for re-election in 1899 byT. I. Shoemaker. At that time part of the county officers were elected in odd numbered years, but shortly after the turn of the century this system was changed to put all county officers up for election in the even numbered years. John William McPherson was born April 13, 1861, at Bowmanville, Ont., Canada, and settled in Iowa in 1881. He was a resident of Marshalltown until 33 years ago when he moved to Des Moines to become a salesman for the Prouty wholesale grocery house. When this firm was purchased by the Western Grocer company he continued to act as Des Moines salesman until ill health forced his retirement. Mr. McPherson was active in Masonic organizations much of his life and at the time of his death was the sixth oldest member of Marshall lodge No. 108, A. F. and A. M. He became a Master Mason Aug. 25, 1886 and was awarded a 50 year certificate by Marshall lodge in 1936. He was a member of Signet chapter No. 31, Royal Arch Masons, and was also awarded a 50 year certificate by this organization in 1936. He belonged to King Solomon Council No. 20, Royal and Select Masters, and St. Aldemar Commandry, No. 30, Knights Templar, both of this city, and also was awarded a 50 year certificate by the latter organization in 1938. He is survived by his widow and one son, Archie McPherson of Des Moines. Two grandsons also survive. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at 1455 Fifth avenue, Des Moines, and the body will be brought to Marshalltown for burial in Riverside that afternoon. The funeral cortege is expected to arrive at the cemetery at 2 p.m. Friday.