DR. SEABIRD RAY McPHERSON

1818 - 1905

From History of Texas, Published in 1896

DR. SEABIRD RAY McPHERSON is one of the pioneer settlers and physicians of Hood County. Not to know him is almost to argue oneself unknown. For twenty years he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession in this county and has ever been active in performing all tasks or duties which would benefit the community. In his old age he is honored and esteemed by all who know him and no one is more worthy of representation in this volume.

Dr. McPherson was born in Jackson County, Tennessee, on the 13th of March, 1818, and when three years of age was taken by his parents to Alabama, where he was reared to manhood. His father, Reuben McPherson, was a soldier of the War of 1812 and had a brother who lost his life in the battle of New Orleans. He spent his boyhood and youth on his father's farm and largely aided in the development of the fields, and he therefore had but limited opportunities for securing an education, and at that time, also the only school near his home was a primitive one, held in a little log building. He was the eldest of the eleven children born to Reuben and Elizabeth McPherson, and upon the death of his father in 1842, the care of the family devolved largely upon him. He brought his mother and the younger children to the southwest in 1843, locating in Arkansas, where for several years he continued his residence. He had studied medicine when a boy, and after his mother's second marriage he continued his studies with his stepfather, Dr. Jesse Casey, of Arkansas. He entered upon practice in that state and afterward lived for two years in Missouri.

The Doctor dates his residence in Texas from 1858, at which time he took up his abode in Parker County, whence in 1861 he came to Acton, Hood County, where for twenty years he continued to engage in practice. His skill and ability soon won him a liberal patronage and he did a profitable business. He also engaged in farming for a number of years, but is now living retired.

The Doctor was married, July 23, 1839, to Eliza Allison, a native of North Carolina, and their family numbered eleven children, six of whom are yet living. William L., born May 3, 1840, is a prominent citizen of Hood County, and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The other members of the family are Eveline, deceased; John, who lives in Stephen County, Texas; Leanna, wife of John Tingly, of the Indian Territory; Ambrose, deceased; Joseph, who makes his home in Johnson County; Benton, Allison and Mary, who have all passed away; Sarah, wife of Henry Armstrong, of Comanche County; and Creed, who is a farmer of Hood County. The mother of this family passed away October 5, 1875. The Doctor was again married, but his second wife is also deceased.

Dr. McPherson has almost reached the age of four-score years. His life has been largely devoted to the medical profession, and he has undergone the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the physician who makes his home on the frontier. It is an arduous life, requiring sacrifices which merit the gratitude of the public and which will long be remembered by those who profited by his benevolent and sympathetic spirit. The friends of Dr. McPherson are limited only by the number of his acquaintances, and now in his declining years he is revered and honored by all, a fitting crown to a well spent life.

~ Web Page by Jo Ann Hopper ~

1999 HOOD COUNTY TEXAS GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY