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Contribution #263 of 365
Christopher McPherson
Storekeeper, Clerk and Early Virginia Commercial Administrator
1770s–1810s
The contribution
How this work helped shape America
Born enslaved in Virginia, Christopher McPherson received an education and developed commercial and clerical skills while still enslaved. He worked in mercantile establishments and by the 1780s served as merchant David Ross's principal storekeeper, supervising eight to ten employees. After gaining his freedom in 1792, McPherson continued skilled clerical work associated with merchants and government institutions, including the U.S. House of Representatives and Virginia High Court of Chancery, demonstrating Black American participation in commerce and professional administrative work during the nation's early economic development.