Daniel McPherson (abt. 1682 - abt. 1755)

Born about 1682 in Inverness-shire, Scotland

Husband of Ruth (Shires) Mackfarson — married 1712 in Kennett Township, Chester, Pennsylvania [uncertain]

Descendants

Died about 1 Aug 1755 at about age 73 in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Heath Vogel [send private message], Susan Anderson [send private message], Heather Mize [send private message], and Barb Gilliland [send private message]

NOTE: Y-DNA proves this Daniel was NOT the son of Donald McPherson and Janet Cuthbert. See Research Notes, below.

Biography

Daniel McPherson was born in Scotland.

Daniell was born before 1684 in Inverness-shire, Scotland. The exact date or location of his birth or baptism is currently unknown.

Marriage

According to the claims of his descendants, Daniel McPherson married Ruth (Shires) Mackfarson (abt.1689-abt.1747) either in 1707 or in 1712.^[1][2][3] Until recently, Ruth's identity has been known solely from the account given in an unpublished research document compiled by John Calvin McPherson, who claimed that he had received his information from "the family tradition" as recounted by his grandfather, Joseph McPherson (1748-1835).^[4] Please refer to the profile of Ruth (Shires) Mackfarson (abt.1689-abt.1747) for new information that has been uncovered.

Children

It is attested that there were six children born of the marriage between Daniell and Ruth:^[2][3][4]

1. Ann (McPherson) Carter (1714-1795), who was born about 1714.
2. John McPherson (1718-abt.1798), who was born 6 November 1718.
3. Daniel McPherson (1722-1789), who was born about 1722.
4. Stephen McPherson (1724-1799), who was born about 1724.
5. William McPherson (1726-1817), who was born about 1726.
6. Othniel McPherson (1732-1745), who was born about 1729. He died in his youth consequent to being struck by lightning about 1742.^[2][4]

Currently, the dates and locations of the births or baptisms for these children are unverified.

Death & Will

"Daniell McFerson of the Township of Salsburey Countey of Lancaster & Provance of Pensalvania" wrote his will the 24th day of February 1755.^[5] His will was ratified in the presence of two witnesses: Isaac Richardson, on August the 5th 1755, and James Whithill, on August the 6th 1755.^[5] Within the text are listed his surviving children and a grand-daughter:

"son JOHN...son DANIELL...son WILLIAM...son STEPHEN...Daughter ANN CARTER...granddaughter Ruth Carter...Executors JOHN McFERSON of Sadsbury in Chester county and beloved DANIELL."^[5]

Land Holdings

Many records survive to verify that Daniell held, purchased, and sold multiple tracts of land in the provinces of Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Land from William Penn

Among the claims of the family tradition, there was mention made of Daniell having acquired his first plot of land.

After he became of age...William Penn gave him a hundred acres of land in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on which he lived until the time of his death. ^[4][6]

William Penn's ledger of warrants in the Original Purchases Register, 1682-1762 does not show evidence that he gave Daniell 100 acres of land in Chester County, Pennsylvania.^[7] Also, the records of New Castle County, Land Warrants and Surveys, 1671-1742 do not show any land warrants issued by William Penn to Daniell.^[8] Finally, according to his own Last Will & Testament, Daniell had removed from Chester County and was living in Lancaster County when he passed.^[5]

Daniell's First Lot in Kennett Township, Chester County

Land Conveyance Daniel MackFarson.

"Daniel Mackfarson" purchased 300 acres of land lying and being in the Township of Kannett in the County of Chester on the 10th of October 1706 from John Guest.^[3][9] The parcel was part of a larger tract of land containing 666-2/3 acres "granted and confirmed" by patent to John Guest of the City and County of Philadelphia, Esquire, on the 2nd of September 1706.^[2][9]

Pennsylvania map inset of Brumadgam.

The deed noted that Daniel of Brumingham in the County of Chester was a "Labourer" at the time of purchase. The survey which was provided in the text of the deed specified that the parcel of land was bounded on John Guest's land as well as Letitia Penn's land.

It is interesting to note that, according to the "family records and traditions" referenced by David B. Trimble, Daniell's descendants claimed that:

After his term of indenture was ended, he worked as a laborer until he earned enough money to buy a farm.^[3]

According to the authors of History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, Birmingham Township was surveyed as early as 1684. They also affirmed that:

The name of the township was originally pronounced Brummagem, and it is so given on Holme's map of early settlements of Pennsylvania.^[10]

Additional Land in Kennett Township, Chester County

On 10 December 1718, Daniel McFarson was issued a warrant for 125 acres of land in the township of Kennett in Chester county for land joining on the tract where he dwelt. He was to pay twenty pounds for the whole, and yearly Quitrent of one shilling sterling for the hundred acres and a proportionate amount for the twenty-five acres.^[11] The warrant declared that a survey was to be made within one month of the agreement.

We learn from David Trimble that:

"After his wife Ruth died about 1747, Daniel McPherson sold his land in Kennett to James House and moved to Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, with his son Daniel."^[2]

When James House passed in 1756, his will mentioned Daniel McPherson with specific reference to the said land as being part of a plantation:

Thirdly I order this my Plantation whereon I now dwell Containing about five acres with ye right of a lease for a Term of Years for the Quantity of ___ Acres, As also that my Plantation which I purchased from Daniel McFerson lying in ye sd. Township of Kennett All to be sold by my Executors hereafter named as soon as conveniently may be after my decease...^[12]

Wilmington Township, New Castle County, Delaware

Daniell's Will & Testament was ratified on 24 February 1755 in "the Township of Salsburey Countey of Lancaster & Provance of Pensalvania."^[5] Apparently living then in Salisbury, Daniell specified his wishes as regards his land-holdings at the time of his decease.

I order & it is my Will that my Lotts in Willmington be sould by my Exacutors after my Deceass and the Money arising from the said Sail together with the other part of my Personal Estate I order to be Devided between my Son William Stephen & my Daughter, Ann Carter.^[5]

The original Indenture for these "Lotts in Willmington" was made the 20th May 1740:

Between Thomas Milner of the Borrough of Wilmington in the County of Newcastle upon Delware yeoman and Bridget his wife on the one part and Daniel McFarson of the Township of Kennet in the County of Chester in the Province of Pennsylvania yeoman on the other part...

Now this Indenture Witnesseth that the said Thomas Milner and Bridget his wife for and in Consideration of the Sum of Forty-five Pounds...to them in hand paid...

Received this 20th May 1740 of Daniel McFarson the full Consideration Sum above mentioned...

Recorded 14th April 1761.^[13]

The selling of this lot was completed, as Daniel had requested, after his decease:

This Indenture made the 17th day of November 1760, BETWEEN John McFerson and Daniel McFerson Executors of the last Will and Testament of Daniel McFerson late of the Township of Kennet in the County of Chester in the province of Pennsylvania Yeoman deceased of the one part and John McFinley of the Burough of Willmington in the County of Newcastle upon Delaware Esqr of the other part...

Received from the above named John McFinley the Sum of Twelve Pounds fourteen Shillings in full of the above mentioned Consideration Money Rec'd by John McFerson [&] Daniel McFerson...

Recorded 7th October 1761^[14]

Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania

As mentioned above, it is believed that Daniell and his son Daniell removed from Chester County to Lancaster County after Ruth's passing. Daniell (the father) had contracted an indenture for land in Salisbury Township, being made the 20 August 1731. A transcription of the original document declares the transaction was:

...BETWEEN Robert Hoare of Salsbury in the county of Lancaster Yeoman and Sarah his wife of the one part and Daniel Mackfarson of Kennet in the county of Chester Yeoman of the other part...

... for and in Consideration of the Sum of 180 Pounds... to them paid by the sd. Daniel Mackfarson...

(In his actual Seizin by Virtue of a Bargain and Sale unto him made ... For the Term of one Year by Indenture of the Day next ...) ...

A Certain Messuage Plantation and Piece or Tract of Land thereunto belonging situate on Paquaa Creek in Salsbury aforesaid (formerly reputed in the county of Chester aforesaid)...

Containing by Computation 250 Acres...

Recorded 20th February 1769.^[15]

After Daniell's decease, the ownership of his parcel in Salisbury was conferred to his son, Daniel. The Deed of Release included the participation of all five of Daniell's surviving children. It should be noted that this land record is transcribed, rather than original, and the spelling of the family's surname is "McFarson." The transcription of the document reads:

...we John McFarson, William McFarson and Stephen McFarson (Three of the Sons of Daniel McFarson deced. late of Salisbury Township in the County of Lancaster Yeoman and sometimes residing in the Township of Kennet in the County of Chester) and Nathaniel Carter and Anna his wife (the only Daughter of the said Daniel McFarson)...

...in Consideration of the Sum of five Shillings unto us ... well and truly paid by our Brother Daniel McFarson (the other Son of the said first Named Daniel McFarson) The receipt whereof is hereby Acknowledged HAVE granted remised released, and Confirmed...unto our said brother Daniel McFarson (in his Actual Possession and Seizin now being) and to his Heirs and Assigns...

...ALL that Messuage Plantation and Tract of Land thereunto belonging (late belonging to our said Father in his life time and which he Mortgaged in the General Loan Office in the Province of Pennsylvania to secure the payment of a Certain Sum of Money) Situate on Paquaa Creek in Salesbury Township aforesaid...

...Containing 250 acres…

In Witness... 26 August 1755.

Recorded the 27th February 1769.^[16]

The release of the heirs' rights to their brother, Daniel McFarson, on this tract of land is important to note as it offers confirmation for Daniell's residency and his surviving children. In this case, the text of the document specified:

Daniel McFarson deced. late of Salisbury Township in the County of Lancaster Yeoman and sometimes residing in the Township of Kennet in the County of Chester.^[16]

The mention of both Townships supports that Daniell was variously living in both locations. More especially, all of the aforementioned deeds of indenture made after those in Chester County refer to Daniell as being from Kennett in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Research Notes

This profile seeks to discern the life of Daniell McPherson, who was bonded as a servant indentured to a Quaker master, and who, after completing his indenture, created a life for himself and his family in Pennsylvania.

As yet, there are not enough source documents that have been retrieved to prove:

• Who his parents were,
• When exactly he was born.

The Trio of Scotsmen Named Daniel McPherson

1. For the claim to being Daniel McPherson, who was baptized 18 December 1692 in Inverness Parish (Inverness, Inverness-shire, Scotland), please see the profile Daniell McPherson (bef.1692-). He was the son of Donald McPherson (abt.1649-aft.1701) of Essich and his wife Janet (Cuthbert) McPherson (bef.1653-abt.1730), Daughter of Drakies. Refer to profile of Daniel's father for detailed research which demonstrates his paternal pedigree in the Sliochd Choinnich, which would be an incompatible y-DNA match.
2. For the claim to being Daniel McPherson, who was baptized 2 November 1684, in Edinburgh Parish (Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland), please see the profile Daniel McPherson (bef.1684-). He was the son of Daniell McPherson (bef.1663-) of Edinburgh and his wife Helene (Pearson) McPherson (1664-). Refer to profile of Daniel's father for detailed research which demonstrates his paternal pedigree in the Sliochd Choinnich, which would be an incompatible y-DNA match.
3. For the claim to being Daniel McPherson, who was born 30 August 1701, and who immigrated to the US colonies, please see the profile Daniel McPherson (1701-1740). He married Elizabeth Nevitt in Charles, Maryland and died 1 October 1740 in Port Tobacco, Charles, Maryland.

Irregardless of any record that can be brought forth to support a claim for a member of this Trio of Scotsmen, alas, the romance of these ancestral lineages must be dismissed to their proper families. The currently available y-DNA evidence that can be compiled from test results with FamilyTree DNA denies the possibility of Daniel McPherson, the "Kidnapped Daniel," being any of these men.

Y-DNA Supported Genealogy

For the investigation of Daniel McPherson, the Norse-Scotsman, who is the fellow of this profile but is NOT related to the members of Clan MacPherson who settled in Badenoch along the Strathspey River, please continue reading.

There are at least nine FamilyTree Y-DNA test results from males who are descendants of this Daniel McPherson, including Brian McPherson, who is linked to the "DNA Connections" portion of this profile. Of these nine, two Y-DNA test results of 111 markers are an identical match, and a third differs by only one mutation. The results of these three tests altogether to 700 markers have necessitated creating a unique "downstream" Y-DNA haplogroup, since there is no other match to them.

As a group, all the test results from the nine verified descendants of Daniel are remarkably consistent. They evidence the primary homebranch R1a for their Y-DNA haplogroup; this is in stark contrast to the results from the lineage of the McPherson Clan Chieftain, which evidences the homebranch R1b Y-DNA haplogroup. These two haplogroups are distinct, having diverged many years previous to the time that even the leader of Clan Chattan, Gilicattan Mór, died c1090. The essential distinction to be made between these haplogroups, when they are found in Scotland, is R1a being "Norse-Scots" and R1b being "Celtic-Scots."

Among the FamilyTree DNA Surname Group for MacPherson/McPherson there are fewer than two dozen test results that belong to R1a out of more than 540 members. Thus far, the ancestral heritage of Clan McPherson is most strongly represented by R1b, the Celtic-Scots haplogroup.

All this being said, we will presume that Daniel is truly a McPherson by heritage, simply not born of the Clan McPherson Chieftain lineage. Nevertheless, it is possible to claim that Daniel is a descendant of some, as yet unknown, fellow who was a Norse-Scotsman. It is likely that his paternal ancestry traces back to a Scandinavian origin somewhere in Sweden or Norway.

Kidnapped and Indentured

It is attested that Daniell was kidnapped in his youth, removed from Scotland, and brought to the Province of Pennsylvania. The commonly quoted stories of Daniell’s kidnapping are sourced from a research document written by John Calvin McPherson (12 Nov 1846 - May 1891). David B. Trimble references this work as:

McPherson History written by John Calvin McPherson (1846-1891), published in unfinished form in unidentified newspaper; a copy (presented by Mrs. Martha W. Campbell) is in the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Historical Society Library, West Chester, Pennsylvania.^[17]

The earliest known account of Daniel's childhood originates from this archive, written by John Calvin McPherson, although a date for the manuscript was not provided in the text. It appears that this source of the family's information was the author's grandfather, Joseph McPherson, who in turn was one of Daniell's grandsons, being the son of Daniell's son, John.

Daniel M., the grandfather of Joseph M., -- and the common ancestor of many of that name who reside or have resided in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and other Western States -- was born in Scotland, at or near Inverness, about the year 1680, and was brought to America about the year 1696 or 1698, and settled in Pennsylvania...

Two traditions concerning Daniel's childhood have come down to us. By one, he would appear to have been reared in good circumstances, for it is said that "he lived at home with his parents, and entered college in 1696."

As has been said, Daniel was brought to America some time about 1696, or, perhaps, a few years later. The manner of bringing is thus described by the tradition already quoted.

"While at home during a vacation, and while leisurely strolling on the wharf, he was kidnaped together with many others, gagged and put into the hold of a vessel bound for Philadelphia. On arriving at Philadelphia, he was sold until he should become of age, for the payment of his passage."^[4]

Joseph McPherson's testimony is first referenced almost verbatim in another famous document, commonly called, The Carter Memoir. It was drafted as a letter written by Miriam Carter Douglas to be read publicly at the Carter Family Reunion, held August 14, 1907 in Clinton County, Ohio. This branch of the Carter family is descended from Daniell’s daughter, Nancy Ann (McPherson) Carter (1714-1795).

Daniel MacPherson, the common ancestor of many of that name who reside or have resided in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa and other western states, was born in Scotland, at or near Inverness, about 1680, and was brought to the America about 1696 or 1698, and settled in Pennsylvania.

Two traditions concerning Daniel's childhood have come down to us. By one, he would appear to have been reared in good circumstances for it is said, "he lived at home with his parents, and entered college in 1696." While at home during a vacation, and while leisurely strolling on the warf [sic], he was kidnapped together with many others, gagged and put into the hold of a vessel bound for Philadelphia. On arriving at Philadelphia, he was sold until he should become of age, for the payment of his passage."^[6]

Some version of John Calvin’s work was also used as a source by Lori J McPherson in 1989, when she was writing her dissertation on Daniell's family at Ball State University (Muncie, Indiana, USA). The first footnote for her dissertation declares her reference for Daniel’s kidnapping story: "Anna Edworthy, McPherson family history papers. Now in the possession of Mirva Ann (Penna) Booth."^[18] This is her recounting of the story:

In a nineteenth-century history of the family by John C. McPherson, a similar version of the story is recounted. Daniel was walking on a wharf with some other boys when they were kidnapped, bound, and sailed to Philadelphia.^[18]

Finally, in 1995, David B. Trimble introduced his collection of Daniell’s descendants with this brief account:

Daniel McPherson, according to family tradition, was born about 1682 near Inverness, Scotland, and was kidnapped while tending sheep on his father's farm when he was about 14 years of age. He was brought to the Wilmington, Delaware, area and sold as an indentured servant to a Quaker master.^[2]

Since sometime in the 1980s, genealogical investigations have pursued the claims made from John Calvin McPherson’s research with the anticipation of finding who this Daniell McPherson really was. What has emerged over time is an unraveling of stories about more than one Daniell McPherson that had been presumed to be a single man. As a result, it is now unclear which stories and which elements of those stories we still can trust.

Perhaps, the simplest approach would be to narrow the investigation, so as to focus on some essential claims from the earliest research, as quoted above:

• Daniell was kidnapped when he was about 14 years old.
• When Daniell was kidnapped, other children were kidnapped as well.
• Altogether, these children were put on a sailing vessel that eventually arrived near the Province of Pennsylvania.
• The children were “sold.” The payment for a child’s passage was reciprocated by an indenture until a specific age to the individual who had paid for their passage across the Atlantic.

Estimating the Year of Daniell’s Birth

If the family traditions are correct concerning Daniell's kidnapping at about the of age 14 in about the year 1696, and being sold as an indentured servant, then Daniel's servitude by law would have been until he reached the age of 22 rather than seven years. The law at that time stated the time of any servant who came into the colony without a definite term of service was fixed at five years for those who were seventeen years of age or above, while those who were not seventeen, the term was until they reached the age of twenty-two years (Duke's Book of Laws, P. 152, 153).^[19]

If Daniell had purchased land, then it could be inferred from the date when the deed was recorded that he was eligible to do so both by the account of his age and by the completion of his indenture. As was mentioned in the biography above, a record exists to document that Daniell purchased land in 1706 from John Guest.^[9] It must be presumed that he had completed his indenture by then. If he had been indentured until he had reached the age of 22 years, then he would have been at least 22 years in 1706. Inferring from this data, his year of birth must have been no later than 1684.

Regarding the Death & Burial of Daniell’s Wife, Ruth

As yet, no record has been retrieved that specifically attests to when or where Ruth Shiers died or was buried. John Calvin gave what information he knew in his notes.

The meeting attended by Daniel, and the place of his wife's burial, is reported as "Kent" or "Kennett." If the meeting at Kennett Square is meant, the locality would be in Chester County, Pennsylvania.^[4]

Beyond that information, he tells us what he knew of Daniell with regard to Ruth's passing.

Ruth died before her husband. It was told of him that, after her death, and in his old age, he would walk -- such was his great strength of body -- some seven miles to attend meeting at the place where she was buried. One account is that her grave was his place of prayer.^[4]

He adds to this information later in his account of Daniell.

Daniel lived to be somewhat advanced in years, but was very strong in his old age. His walks to meeting have already been mentioned. He would go out early and be back before the family thought he could have had time for the journey.^[4]

It has been presumed that Ruth was buried in the Kennett Friends Burial Ground in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Again, John Calvin's research only related what he knew in his lifetime.

No events in middle life of Daniel, or in the life of his wife Ruth, have been brought down to our time. There is some confusion as to their places of residence and burial.^[4]

Unfortunately, the memorial created for Ruth does not offer any details of interment or a photograph of the grave-site.^[20] The Kennett Friends Burial Ground is the cemetery nestled beside the Old Kennett Meeting House, which is now preserved as an historical building. Pictures of the cemetery are available from the Library of Congress at: Old Kennett Meeting House. An history of the Old Kennett Meeting House is available from the Kennett Township website at: History of Old Kennett Meeting House.

Regarding Daniell’s Death & Burial

There is currently no record of death retrieved to account specifically for when Daniell died. His ratified Last Will and Testament has been used to approximate this.^[5]

It has been presumed that Daniell also was buried in the Kennett Friends Burial Ground in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Unfortunately, the memorial page that has been created on his behalf neither specifies a lot for his grave location nor offers a photograph for support.^[21]

Since it was documented that "Daniell McFerson of the Township of Salsburey Countey of Lancaster & Provance of Pensalvania" died where he wrote his Last Will & Testament, it may need to be questioned as to whether or not he would have been buried in Kennett Township, Chester County.

The currently held conviction for the location of Daniell's burial seems to have originated with John Calvin McPherson's research. While examining his notes, it becomes clear that John Calvin McPherson believed the claim that he had recounted:

After he became of age...William Penn gave him a hundred acres of land in Chester County, Pennsylvania, on which he lived until the time of his death.^[4]

In his notes, John Calvin is uncertain of the year in which Daniell died, which he relates that descendants had been claiming was the year 1765, ten years after the fact, when Daniell's children John, William, and Ann decided to leave Pennsylvania.^[4] This indicates that he did not have the document of the will to verify any information. It also suggests that John Calvin McPherson had no knowledge of Daniell and his son Daniel having removed to Salisbury Township in Lancaster County.

Besides the location where Daniell's Last Will & Testament was made, there is additional evidence to support that he was residing in Salisbury at that time. The witnesses who signed to the rendering of Daniell's Last Will and Testament were Isaac Richardson and James Whitehill.^[5] One of Isaac Richardson's tracts of land was just northeast of Daniell's lot in Salisbury.^[22] James Whitehill had purchased two tracts of land just southeast to Daniell's residence in Salisbury.^[23]

Regarding John McPherson of Sadsbury

In his Last Will & Testament, Daniell specified these instructions:

I Order and apoint John Mcferson of Sadsbury in Chester Countey and my well beloved Daniell Sole Exacutors of this my last Will and Testament and no other person whatsoever...^[5]

The said John McPherson (1695-1762) of Sadsbury appears to have arrived to the Province of Pennsylvania near to 1720. There are vital records, land records, tax records, and even a gravestone that bear testimony to him. Among the Archives of Scotland, there also are records that might be attributed to him, but, at this time, his family of origin in Scotland is unverified.

How Daniell and John may have known each other and how they may have been related, if at all, is currently unknown as well.

A Note for Daniell's Descendants

David B. Trimble pioneered a wide scope of genealogical research in the United States. He is author (or editor) of the richest collection for the descendants of Daniell McPherson, which can be used as a document from which to launch an investigation for family pedigrees. While it was well researched, it is still worth validating and confirming any ancestral inquiry with source-media, as much as can be possible.

It is available to download as a digital book at archive.com: McPherson of Virginia.

Sources

1. ↑ Yates Publishing. U.S. and International Marriage Records, 1560-1900 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. (Source number: 24010.003; Source type: Pedigree chart; Number of Pages: 4; Name: Ruth Shires; Gender: F: Spouse Name: Daniel Mcpherson; Spouse Birth Place: St; Spouse Birth Year: 1682; Marriage Year: 1712; Marriage State: PA). Available at Ancestry.com: Marriage: Ruth Shires. This may not be a reliable source, as it refers to a Pedigree Chart.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5} Trimble, David B. McPherson of Virginia and North Carolina. ("Written as an expansion of American Origins, published in 1974.") Austin, Texas: David B Trimble, 1995. Page 3. Available at archive.org: Trimble (p. 3).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3} Trimble, David B. American Origins. San Antonio, Texas: David B. Trimble, 1974. Page 70. Available at family search.org: American Origins (p. 70).
4. ↑ ^{4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10} McPherson, John Calvin. MacPherson. Chapter I, Pages 1-3. Unpublished and undated notes, compiled and typewritten, held in the Family Files (closed stacks) of the Library at the Chester County History Center. Available at: Chester County History Center.
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 5.8} County Courthouses, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Probate Records, 1683-1994. Lancaster, Wills, 1730-1773, Vol A-B, Pages 104-105, Citing Daniell Mcferson FamilySearch.org [database with images] Film # 21354, DGS # 5534200, Image 190 of 514. Available at familysearch.org: Lancaster Wills, Pages 104-105, Image 190 of 514.
6. ↑ ^{6.0 6.1} Carter-Douglas, Miriam. Carter Family History and Genealogy. Revised by Elizabeth Berry Buffa. [United States]: E.B. Buffa, 1971. The WorldCat listing is available at: Carter Family. A transcription of the portion of the Carter Memoir which related information about Daniel McPherson, claimed to be found on "pp. 48-51 from original memoir," has been posted by Rebecca Teague at rootsweb.com: Carter Memoir.
7. ↑ Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, Pennsylvania State Archives, RG-17 Records of the Land Office, Original Purchases Register, 1682-1762. {series #17.83}, page 106. Available at phmc.state.pa.us: William Penn.
8. ↑ Delaware, New Castle County. Recorder of Deeds. Land warrants and surveys, 1671-1769, Land Warrants 1671-1742 Citing Daniell McPherson or variations made thereof. Familysearch.org [database with images], Film # 6614, DGS # 007834353. Available at familysearch.org: Land warrants and surveys, 1671-1769.
9. ↑ ^{9.0 9.1 9.2} Chester County, Pennsylvania. Recorder of Deeds. Pennsylvania Deeds 1688-1903. Deed Book B, Volume 2 (1706-1712), Pages 66-68, Citing John Guest to Daniel Mackfarson. FamilySearch.org [database with images], Film # 20852, DGS # 008035083, Images 350-351 of 505. Accessed 16 August 2021. Available at familysearch.org: Deed Book B:2:66-68.
10. ↑ Futhey, John Smith, & Cope, Gilbert. History of Chester County, Pennsylvania, with genealogical and biographical sketches. Philadelphia, PA: L. H. Everts, 1881. Page 162, Citing Brummagem. Available at archive.org: Futhey & Cope, p. 162.
11. ↑ Chester County, Pennsylvania. County Surveyor. Pennsylvania Warrants and Surveys, Letters H-T, 1701-1727, Pages 306-307, Citing Daniel McPherson. FamilySearch.org [database with images], Film # 20886, DGS # 008182549, Images 40-41 of 144. Available at familysearch.org: Warrant Book T:306 Image 40 of 144.
12. ↑ Chester County, Pennsylvania. Register of Wills. Wills, 1713-1854. Will Book D-E, vols. 4-5 (1755-1774), Pages 50-51, Citing Daniel McFerson, as mentioned in the will of James House. Familysearch.org [database with images] Film # 20845, DGS # 005534144, Image 29 of 586. Accessed 10 Nov 2021. Available at familysearch.org: Will Book D:50 Image 29 of 586.
13. ↑ New Castle County, Delaware. Recorder of Deeds. Deed books of New Castle County, Delaware, 1673-1886, 1952-1953. Deeds Vol. T1-U1 (1759-1763), Deed Book Vol T, No. 1, Pages 129-131, Citing Thomas Milner to Daniel McFarson. FamilySearch.org [database with images], Film # 6562; DGS # 007834277, Images 68-69 of 670. Available at family search.org: Deed Book T1:129 Image 68 of 670.
14. ↑ New Castle County, Delaware. Recorder of Deeds. Deed books of New Castle County, Delaware, 1673-1886, 1952-1953. Deeds Vol. T1-U1 (1759-1763), Deed Book Vol T, No. 1, Pages 304-305, Citing John McFerson, Daniel McFerson, Daniel McFerson (late), and John McFinley. FamilySearch.org. [database with images], Film # 6562; DGS # 007834277; Image 156 of 670. Available at familysearch.org: Deed Book T1:304 Image 156 of 670.
15. ↑ Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Recorder of Deeds. Deeds, 1729-1867. Deed Book N, 1767-1776, Pages 67-69, citing Daniel Mackfarson from Robert Hoare & his wife. Familysearch.org [database with images], Film # 21385, DGS # 007856830, Images 623-624 of 917 Accessed 16 August 2021. Available at family search.org: Deed Book N:67 Image 623 of 917.
16. ↑ ^{16.0 16.1} Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Recorder of Deeds. Deeds, 1729-1867. Deed Book N, 1767-1776, Pages 69-71, Citing John McFarson, William McFarson, Stephen McFarson, Nathaniel Carter and Ann Carter to Daniel McFarson. Familysearch.org, [database with images], Film # 21385, DGS # 007856830, Images 624-625 of 917. Accessed 16 August 2021. Available at familysearch.org: Deed Book N:69 Image 624 of 917.
17. ↑ Trimble, David B. McPherson of Virginia and North Carolina. Austin, Texas, USA: David B Trimble, 1995. ("Written as an expansion of American Origins, published in 1974.") Available at archive.org: Trimble (References p. 281).
18. ↑ ^{18.0 18.1} McPherson, Lori J. The McPhersons: A Five-Generational Study of a Family’s Migration and Idealism. An Honors Thesis (ID 499). Available from Ball State University at: Lori J McPherson.
19. ↑ Herrick, Cheesman A. White Servitude in Pennsylvania: Indentured and Redemption Labor in Colony and Commonwealth. Philadelphia: John Joseph McVey, 1926. Page 31. Available at archive.org: White Servitude.
20. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 05 April 2021), memorial page for Ruth Shiers McPherson (1696–1747), Find a Grave Memorial no. 144411842, citing Kennett Friends Burial Ground, Kennett Square, Chester County, Pennsylvania, USA ; Maintained by Christie Cirone (contributor 47106285). Ruth McPherson at FindaGrave.
21. ↑ Find A Grave, database and images. FindaGrave memorial page for Daniel McPherson (1682–1755), Find A Grave Memorial no. 6306377, Maintained by Christie Cirone (contributor 47106285). Daniel McPherson at FindaGrave.
22. ↑ Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Bureau of Land Records. Patent Books, 1676-1960. Patent Book A, No. 12, Pages 111, Citing John Penn, Thomas Penn, Richard Penn, Esq., Isaac Richardson. FamilySearch.org [database with images] Film # 1028832, DGS # 008715679, Images 214-215 of 903. Available at familysearch.org: Patent Book A12:111 Image 214 of 903.
23. ↑ Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Bureau of Land Records. Patent Books, 1676-1960. Patent Book A, No. 9, Pages 305-307, Citing John Penn, Thomas Penn, Richard Penn, Esq., James Whitehill. FamilySearch.org [database with images] Film # 1028831, DGS # 008715259, Images 250-251 of 832. Available at familysearch.org: Patent Book A9:305 Image 250 of 832.

Acknowledgements

Donald Gradeless Ph.D. imported the original profile data for Daniel McPherson from DEG_16_GEDMATCH.GED