Damas McPherson

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel McPherson

Damas "Daniel or Dennis" McPherson was born September 20, 1841, in St. Timothy, Canada. He was the son of William, Jr. and Mathilde (Leduc) McPherson. He came to DeSoto in the 1860’s where he married Adeline Bouvier Verdan of De Soto and farmed in the area for many years. He spent his later years on a claim near Paxton, Nebraska, where he died December 28, 1911. Adeline was born June 11, 1850, in Meade County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Louis and Euginia (Courvoisier) Bouvier. The Bouviers settled In DeSoto in 1855, having left their home in Neufchatel , Switzerland, a few years earlier. The Couvosiers were watch makers in Switzerland. Just above the log homes of the McPhersons and Bouviers was the regular Indian trail. The Indians would make it a point to stop at their home on their way to Fort Calhoun or Omaha. They befriended the Indians many times and were always treated kindly by them. "Omaha Mary" was a frequent caller at their homes. She was the head of her band and her word was "law" with her people. The woman was educated and spoke French with the family. She was a fine trapper, but would not share her secrets with not allow the children to follow her. The was of the Bovier name was black and greasy from the Indians resting against it while they ate plates of mush and sorghum served to them. Damas and Adeline McPherson were the parents of four children: Charles Verdan; Odile who married Chauncey Depuy of Denver, Colorado; Adele who married C. Scott Allen and lived in Washington County, Nebraska; and William who married Carrie (?). As a police officer, Will heroically gave his life in the line of duty in Denver. Adeline McPherson lived her last years in Colorado near her two children. She died June 11, 1918. Submitted by Merri Vinton.

Source: Washington County Nebraska History 1980, page 267. The Washington County Historical Association. Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Texas, 1980.