James Macpherson (trade unionist)

Born in Bernain, near Dunkeld in Scotland, Macpherson completed an apprenticeship as a drapers' assistant in Glasgow before moving to London in 1879.

He worked in a variety of retail positions and became a founder member of the National Union of Shop Assistants.

[1] In 1891, Macpherson joined the Social Democratic Federation and was a founder of its branch in Bow.

He was elected as general secretary of the soon-renamed National Amalgamated Union of Shop Assistants, Warehousemen and Clerks in 1894, holding the post until 1912.

[1] Margaret Bondfield was inspired to join the union after reading a letter from Macpherson in a newspaper.