Born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, McPherson attended the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), receiving an Artium Baccalaureus degree in 1866 and an Artium Magister degree in 1869.
[1] McPherson was nominated by President William McKinley on February 28, 1899, to a seat on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania vacated by Judge William Butler.
He was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 2, 1899, and received his commission the same day.
[1] McPherson was nominated by President William Howard Taft on March 16, 1912, to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit vacated by Judge William M. Lanning.
His service terminated on January 20, 1919, due to his death in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.