John R. McPherson

John Rhoderic McPherson
McPherson c. 1860-75
United States Senator from New Jersey
In office March 4, 1877 – March 3, 1895
Preceded by	Frederick T. Frelinghuysen
Succeeded by	William J. Sewell
Member of the New Jersey Senate from Hudson County
In office 1872–1876
Preceded by	Noah D. Taylor
Succeeded by	Leon Abbett
Personal details
Born	(1833-05-09)May 9, 1833 York, New York
Died	October 8, 1897(1897-10-08) (aged 64) Jersey City, New Jersey
Resting place	Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington, D.C.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Edla Jane Gregory ​ (m. 1867)​
Children	2
Education	Meatpacking business owner and executive

John Rhoderic^[1] McPherson (May 9, 1833 – October 8, 1897) was an American businessman, inventor, and Democratic politician who represented New Jersey in the United States Senate for three terms from 1877 to 1895. Prior to his election, he was engaged in Jersey City politics and represented Hudson County in the New Jersey Senate.

A native of York, New York, McPherson raised livestock and worked as a butcher before moving to Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1858, where he dealt in livestock and became a prominent businessman in the meatpacking industry. An inventor, he devised or created improvements that enhanced sanitation and efficiency in slaughterhouses, many of which were later employed as industry standards.

Active in politics as a Democrat, McPherson served on the Jersey City Board of Aldermen, as president of the Board of Aldermen, and as a member of the New Jersey State Senate. In 1877, McPherson was elected to the United States Senate. He was reelected twice and served from 1877 to 1895. During his Senate service, McPherson spent several terms as chairman of the Naval Affairs Committee.

After leaving the Senate, McPherson resumed his activities in the meatpacking business. He died in Jersey City on October 8, 1897. He was buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C.