John Macpherson

John (known as Jack) was the son of Alexander (Alex) Macpherson and Mary Macpherson nee Snow. His father was an architect and had a practice, Macpherson and Richardson, at Tennant Street, Derby. He designed a significant number of public and private buildings in Derby including the Children's Hospital (now demolished), Bemrose Grammar School on Uttoxeter New Road and Littleover Old Hall and Lodge. Alexander (b. Roswallow, Forfar) married Mary Snow (b. Devon) in 1890 (marriage registered A/M/J Reading, Berkshire). They had three sons: John (birth registered 1891, J/F/M Nottingham), Duncan (b. 1894, O/N/D Nottingham) and Ronald Macpherson (b.1897, O/N/D Nottingham). In 1901 Alex (50) and Mary (33) were living at 31 Ratcliffe Road, Carrington, with their three sons, Jack (10), Duncan (6) and Ronald (3) with two live-in servants, Mary Kinsey (19) a cook, and Emily Horner (21) a housemaid. By 1911 Alex and Mary were living at 34 Magdala Road, Mapperley Park, with their two sons, Jack (20) a student (architect) and Ronald (13). They now employed two maidservants, Florence Noble (20) and Ada Bocock (20). Their second son, Duncan (16) was at Oundle School (Sidney School Boarding House, Milton Road, Oundle, Northants). 34 Magdala Road was to remain the family's home until sometime after Alexander's death in 1935. Jack's brother, Duncan, an architect in his father's practice, volunteered for the army on 7 August 1914. He had been in the Oundle OTC and joined as a private in the RAMC but was discharged as medically unfit for further military service on 10 November 1914 after serving for 90 days. Ronald served in the Northamptonshire Regiment and as a second lieutenant successfully completed his flying qualifications on a Maurice Farman Biplane at the Military School, Brooklands, on 6 August 1916. (No 3312, GB Royal Aero Club Aviators' Certificates). Alexander Macpherson died aged 80 on 17 Decenber 1935 and his widow Mary on 2 April 1938 at the age of 74. Mary was living at 1a Burns Street, Nottingham, when she died; probate was awarded to her two surviving sons, Duncan who was an architect and Ronald who was an artist. Duncan died on 22 February 1952. His home was at 20 Mabel Grove, West Bridgford. Probate was awarded to his widow, Minnie Mildred Macpherson, and Charles Duncan Macpherson, a dental surgeon. Another son, Alexander, served in the Sherwood Foresters during the Second World War and there was a report in the local paper on 13 October 1943 that he had been reported missing. However, there is no record of his death on the CWGC register, so it is to be presumed that he survived the war.

He was an Old Cheltonian (CWGC). He was an architect.

He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial (Pier and Face 10C 10D and 11A).

Inscription no family gravestone, Nottingham Church (Rock) Cemetery: 'In memory of our dear son Jack Macpherson, Lt (-) Sherwoods killed in action July 1st 1916 aged 25 years. Sarah A [Ann] Snow, died Jan 30th 1927 aged 80 years. Also of Alexander Macpherson died Dec. 17th 1935, aged 88 years. And Mary his wife who died April 2nd 1938 aged 74 years.' Sarah Ann Snow was Mary Macpherson's mother and was living with her daughter and son-in-law at 34 Magdala Road when she died. Probate: Macpherson Alexander of 34 Magdala-road Nottingham 17 December 1935 Administration Nottingham 31 January to Mary Macpherson widow and Duncan Macpherson architect. Effects £9126 12s. 6d. Resworn £8726 12s. 6d. Probate: Macpherson Mary of 1a Burns-street Nottingham widow died 2 April 1938 Probate Nottingham 21 June to Duncan Macpherson architect and Ronald Macpherson artist. Effects £4128 13s. 4d.