JOHN MCPHERSON IN RETIREMENT

      John McPherson signed a will and testament in Shanklin on the 1st March 1890, designating his wife and daughter as his executrixes and trustees, and his heirs for life. His sons John and Alexander were barely mentioned as residual heirs to their father's estate -- in equal shares". A copy of his will is on display in the folder accompanying this exhibition (NOT ON THE MEM).

      The 1891 Census reported the family as living at "Westfield", Highfield Road, Shanklin, in the southern part of the Isle of Wight, John listed as a 'retired land steward" aged 70, his wife Elsie aged 70, and their unmarried daughter Elizabeth aged 37. They later moved to "Lyndhurst" on Clarence Road in Shanklin where he suffered a stroke on the 29th January 1896.

      His death on the 4th February in his 77th year and his funeral on the 7th were reported to Mr Gibson. Secretary of the Privy Purse, by his daughter on the 8th. The Isle of Wight County Press for the 15th February carried a notice of his passing:

DEATH OF THE QUEEN'S LATE STEWARD.
      At the ripe age of 77 there passed away from our midst during last week a well-known and respected inhabitant in the person of Mr John McPherson, for many years the trusted steward of Her Majesty's Osborne Estate. The Funeral took place yesterday week, the Vicar of St Saviour's (the Rev. C.I. Burland) officiating. The Queen sent a beautiful wreath, and Her Majesty was also represented at the funeral by Gen. The Hon. Henry Byng. Floral tokens of remembrance were also sent by other members of the Royal Family.