McPherson, James Birdseye (1828–1864), a United States army officer. He graduated from West Point in 1853, at the head of his class. Soon after the start of the Civil War, McPherson was sent to the western theater, and in 1862 he served under Generals Henry Halleck and U. S. Grant. McPherson commanded an army corps at the siege of Vicksburg (1863) and was made a brigadier general in the regular army.

In 1864 McPherson was given command of the Army of the Tennessee, largest of the armies directed by General William T. Sherman. McPherson was killed by skirmishers during the Battle of Atlanta. Grant is reported to have said: β€œThe country has lost one of its best soldiers, and I have lost my best friend.” Fort McPherson, Georgia, is named for him.