Marcus Wellington Murdock (Continued)
Legal and Financial Affairs
Jury Service
The first record we find for Marcus W. Murdock being called for jury duty occurred when he appeared on the list of Trial Jurors drawn for the October 1882 Term of the Circuit Court and Court of Oyer and Terminer (1). These courts met in the Cayuga County Courthouse at Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York. Two years later, Marcus was drawn as a Grand Juror to serve the following year (1885) (2). In November 1890, Marcus was again drawn as a Trial Juror, this time to serve at County Court and the Court of Sessions beginning 1 December (3). It is not clear what was meant by the Court of Sessions because that terminology had been obsolete since 1846 when such courts were abolished (except for New York City) and their functions were transferred to County Courts.
Marcus was not called again for jury duty until 1903. Perhaps his politcal office as Town of Venice Supervisor before this time precluded jury service. His service in 1903 was in County Court during the June Term (4). The case on which Marcus served as a Trial Juror began on 19 June and was known as the "Kern fish net case" (5). Captain Murdock was chosen as Foreman of the Jury, and the trial consumed a number of days before he was able to present the verdict as follows.
"The verdict in the Kern case brings to a close a trial that was marked by a bitter struggle between the opposing counsel. All day Wednesday was consumed in the summing up and the court's charge and it was late when the case was finally given to the jury. . . . Just before retiring Juror Murdock asked to have that portion of the evidence of witnesses Reamer and Gutchess in reference to there [their] visits to the Port Byron Chronicle office read. . . . Before court met next morning it was known that the jury had agreed. . . . It was 10 minutes after 10 when the term resumed and three minutes later the jury marched in and through the foreman, M. W. Murdock, announced the verdict of 'guilty as charged.'. . ."-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Five Ballots Fixed Guilt (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Weekly Bulletin, Friday, 26 June 1903), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
We find no further record of Marcus W. Murdock serving as a juror.
Sale of Personal Property at Venice Center
Captain Murdock sold his personal property (retaining the real property of the Murdock Homestead) in 1904 to Mr. L. B. Norman, which Mr. Norman subsequently auctioned to the public on 30 September 1904 as detailed in Part 5 of this account (6). Marcus seems to have been in some financial difficulty during this period of time and rather overcommitted, which eventually led to various lawsuits, most in relation to railroad rights-of-way associated with the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad (The Short Line). In the short term, however, Marcus's sale of his personal property resulted in a lawsuit involving his bank.
Lawsuits
Moravia National Bank
Captain Murdock apparently owed money to the Moravia National Bank in 1904, which may have prompted him to sell his personal property for what seems to have been a very small sum.
It is reported that a judgment of $378 has been filed against M. W. Murdock in the county clerk's office, in favor of the Moravia National Bank. It appears that Mr. Murdock assigned to the bank an account of $360 due from L. B. Norman who purchased the grain, fruit, etc., along with the stock, tools, etc., at the time of the auction sale. Mr. Norman was notified to settle with the bank but he had just previously settled with Mr. Murdock and taken his receipt. Accordingly the bank brought action against Mr. Murdock, who failed to file an answer, hence the judgment by default for above amount.-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), The Village Notes 5 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 9 December 1904), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
The preceding account seems entirely out of character for Marcus W. Murdock. We can only conclude that either Marcus was somewhat negligent in not correcting the situation with the Moravia Bank immediately upon receiving the payment from L. B. Norman or was without funds to meet his obligations and attempting to gain time to make good. Presumably, Marcus subsequently paid the legal judgment and cleared his name.
Albert H. Flint, President of the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad Company (The Short Line)
Captain Murdock became involved in a protracted lawsuit in 1909 over certain rights-of-way for the N.Y., A. & L. railroad. His initial co-defendents were Bowers H. Leonard and Charles Avery Morgan. The case is described in the following news story.
The Rochester Herald says: "A litigation which involves the performance of the right of way of several pieces of property between Auburn and Ithaca, along the line of the Auburn, Ithaca & Lansing railway [NOTE: Should be the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad from other sources - R. A. Post] was heard by Justice William W. Clark in Equity term at the Court house last evening, but the case on trial was originally started in Equity court in Wayland on April 10, where Justice Clark was sitting. . . . Seven or eight lawyers are interested in the case, which grew out of the alleged failure of the contractors to live up to their contracts. Simon P. Cohen of New York and E. C. Aiken of Auburn appeared for the plaintiff, Albert H. Flint, president of the company, who is suing Bowers H. Leonard, Charles A. Morgan and Marcus W. Murdock. . . . Some time ago the plaintiff prepared to build a railway from Auburn to Ithaca, and some of the citizens of Auburn and surrounding towns agreed to procure a right of way. They made a contract with a man in Philadelphia to build the road. The Philadelphian assigned the contracts to other parties, who undertook to build the road. The men who were to get the right of way now refuse to convey about 20 parcels of land, claiming that the contractors failed to live up to the agreements. Flint sues to compel these people to specifically perform the contract and convey these lands to him."-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Lawyers Are Numerous (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 8 May 1909), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Albert H. Flint, a New York City broker and promoter, was by then President of the N. Y., A. & L. Railroad Company and the majority stockholder (7). He also controlled the Ithaca Street Railway, which linked the N. Y., A. & L. steam railway terminating at South Lansing to Ithaca proper (7) (8). It seems that the local men such as Marcus W. Murdock and Charles Avery Morgan who were so instrumental in generating local support for the Short Line before and during its construction were expendable once the line was completed. Flint appears to have been a somewhat ruthless operator who had been involved in other railroads and had even defied court orders relative to their consolidation (9). From the above account of Flint's action against Murdock, Morgan, and Leonard, it seems some matters of principle were involved, at least on the part of the defendants.
Flint won his lawsuit in the trial court. Defendant Bowers H. Leonard filed notice of his intent to appeal the judgment in October 1909. Charles A. Morgan apparently accepted the judgment against him and turned over the rights-of-way that he held to Flint and the N. Y., A. & L. and thus was not part of the appeal, but Marcus was one of the appellants lated named in the finding of the appeals court.
Notice of appeal by Bowers H. Leonard, one of the defendants in the action brought by Albert H. Flint against Bowers H. Leona[r]d, Charles A. Morgan, Marcus W. Murdock and the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad Company, was filed in the county clerk's office this morning. The appeal is taken from a judgment rendered by Justice William W. Clark on September 23, 1909, in which the defendant Bowers H. Leonard was directed to convey to the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad Company certain lands to which he has title or that in default of such conveyance it be adjudged that the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad Company have title to the property, and that the plaintiff recover costs against the defendant Bowers H. Leonard for the sum of $247.59. . . .-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Leonard Will Fight (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Monday, 18 October 1909), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
The appeals process took several years with the Court of Appeals acting in December 1911. Bowers H. Leonard and Marcus W. Murdock did not prevail.
The remittitur of the Court of Appeals in the action brought by Albert H. Flint against Bowers H. Leonard and Marcus W. Murdock, was filed in the county clerk's office this afternoon. The action was brought to compel specific performance of contract in turning over lands along the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad Company to the plaintiff. The lower courts held that the plaintiff was entitled to the property and directed that it be turned over to the Short Line. The decisio[n]s were affirmed by the Court of Appeals. Costs against the defendants amount to $442.94.
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), In Genoa Road Case (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Tuesday, 19 December 1911), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Presumably Marcus was liable for half of the $442.94 in court costs and had to yield to Flint any rights-of-way that he held. Marcus would have been under great financial strain to settle up, and this may have led to a subsequent lawsuit against him by Bowers H. Leonard, his co-defendant in the Flint lawsuit.
Bowers H. Leonard
Bowers H. Leonard brought a suit for payment of $500 pursuant to a contract against Captain Murdock in October 1912.
The case of Bowers H. Leonard of Auburn against Captain Marcus W. Murdock of Venice was taken up early yesterday afternoon. This suit is an aftermath of the building of the railroad known as the New York, Auburn & Lansing. It appears that both plaintiff and defendant and also Charles Morgan of Scipio were prominently identified with the arrangements for building the above named road, having solicited subscriptions and arranged for right of way. The defendant, it is claimed either could not or would not raise $500, the paying over of which, to the fund being raised by the three men, constituted a part of the contract entered into by them. Hence the suit for breach of contract. Bowers H. Leonard, on the stand, testified that he had made several personal demands on Captain Mur[d]ock for the $500 without avail. Charles A. Morgan averred that he in company with Bowers H. Leonard and Marcus W. Murdock were the prime movers in the railroad negotiation. Witness deposed that Murdock said he was utterly unable to furnish his third of the funds to be raised for purchasing rights of way. Subsequently Mr. Murdock resigned from the enterprise. Mr. Aiken, for the defense, moved for a non-suit on the ground that plaintiff has not made out his case. The court denied the motion. Captain Marcus W. Murdock deposed that he had lived in Venice Center for 75 years, and that he had devoted all his time toward purchasing rights of way for the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad. Witness deposed that he spent in the neighborhood of $1,000 in the railroad preliminaries. D. E. French, real estate dealer, asked as to the market value of the right of way of said railroad replied 'about $5,000.' The case went to the jury at 4:30. Ten minutes later they brought in a verdict for the plaintiff for $500. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Parker Gets Damages. . . . Friday, Oct. 18 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal, Tuesday, 22 October 1912), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
It is doubtful that Marcus was able to pay the $500 judgment against him before his death less than a year later. We find from probate records that Marcus's Executors had to sell his property, presumably appraised at $4,000 based on the amount of the Executors' bond, to settle his debts (10). That the railroad to which Captain Murdock devoted much of the last 20 years of his life promoting for the benefit of Southern Cayuga County would in the end cost him his financial well-being and his real estate legacy is sadly ironic.
Financial
Captain Murdock sought in February 1912 to be relieved by the Cayuga County Surrogate Court as a bondsman for Charles F. Crawfoot, Administrator of the estate of William A. Morgan. We can presume that the financial strain of the lawsuits discussed above were a factor prompting Marcus to seek relief of his obligation as bondsman. Marcus's age and poor health may also have been motivating factors.
Petition was filed by Marcus W. Murdock of Venice to compel Charles F. Crawfoot as administrator of the estate of William A. Morgan, to render an accounting. Mr. Morgan died in 1873 and Mr. Crawfoot has been administrator with the will annexed since November 30, 1894. The petitioner was one of the bondsmen for the administrator and brought the proceeding to be relieved of that responsibility. Citation was issued to February 29. . . .-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Matters of Probate - Compromise of a $271.28 Judgment for $130 Is Authorized (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 17 February 1912), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Marcus was finally released as a bondsman in April 1912.
Decree was granted settling the accounts of Charles F. Crawfoot as administrator with the will annexed in the estate of William A. Morgan of Venice. . . . An order was [g]ranted releasing M. W. Murdock as surety on the bond of the administrator. The decedent died in 1873 and Mr. Murdock had been on the bond of the administrator since November 1894. . . .-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Matters Of Probate - Decree Granted Settling Accounts in John McAndrew Estate (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Democrat-Argus, Tuesday, 2 April 1912), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Leader Among Civil War Veterans
Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock had helped organize, and had served in, the 111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers during much of the Civil War before being discharged for disability on 25 January 1865. We find little on his participation in Civil War veterans' groups before 1888. However, this was the time during which Marcus had joined and then succeeded his father in farming and business, married, and had begun to raise his children. Marcus reached the age of 50 in 1887, his father died in 1888, and his wife died in 1889. These events seem to be the prelude to Marcus entering politics, advocating for a railroad to Venice Center, and becoming more prominent in veterans' affairs.
Gettysburg Battlefield Monument Erected By The 111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers
We can presume that Captain Murdock attended a reunion of the 111th Infantry Regiment held at Auburn, Cayuga Co., New York in 1888 because on or about that time he was named to a Monument Committee, which had as its purpose erection of a monument to the 111th at the Gettysburg Battlefield near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pennsylvania. Other members of the committee were General Clinton D. MacDougall, who commanded the 111th before he was wounded during the Battle of Gettysburg; Major Reuben J. Myers; and Sergeant Charles J. Stupp (11). Over the course of 3 years the men of the 111th Regiment contributed $1,200 and the State of New York provided another $1,500 for creation of the monument described as made "of Gettysburg and Quincy granite, with a figure in bronze, representing a skirmisher in action" (11). The handsome monument was dedicated on 26 June 1891. It is located on Hancock Avenue near the Brian Farm and Ziegler's Grove.
Captain Murdock's Attendence at Military Reunions
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Gettysburg (Adams Co., PA) 1891
The 111th Regiment dedicated their monument at Gettysburg Battlefield on 26 June 1891, as stated above. The dedication was accompanied by a reunion of the veterans of the 111th at Gettysburg. A record specifically reporting attendence of Captain Marcus W. Murdock at this reunion does not appear, but it seems highly likely that he made the trip as a member of the 111th Regiment Monument Committee. General MacDougall was to make the dedicatory speech for the monument, and it would not be surprising if other members of the Committee were asked to make remarks, as well.
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Gettysburg (Adams Co., PA) 1893
Marcus joined other veterans of the 111th, including Benjamin F. Gould of Fleming, Morton M. Palmer of Merrifield, and E. B. Havens of Owasco Lake, for a special train trip to Gettysburg departing Auburn on Friday, 30 June 1893. A newspaper account mentions dedication of the 111th Regiment Monument on Sunday, 2 July 1893; however, the monument had already been dedicated by General MacDougall in 1891 (12). Perhaps another ceremony was held as part of the regimental reunion.
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Camp Dewey (Wayne Co., NY) 1898
The 111th held a reunion in association with the Wayne County Veterans' Association in August 1898 at Camp Dewey (location unknown), presumably in Wayne County. We should note that the 111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers had been raised from both Cayuga and Wayne counties in August 1862 (13). Marcus is known to have attended this reunion because he was appointed to the regimental Executive Committee at this time (14).
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Moravia (Cayuga Co., NY) 1899
In 1899, the 111th met in Moravia for their reunion, which featured a dinner at the G.A.R. Hall in that village. Captain Murdock was listed as the Chairman of the Executive Committee (15).
Veterans of Southern Cayuga, Moravia (Cayuga Co., NY) 1902
Civil War veterans of various regiments at some point formed an organization based on their residence in Southern Cayuga County. I haven't investigated when this organization took place, but it may have been driven by the declining number of living veterans with the passage of time and the comaraderie of veterans who were more or less neighbors. Captain Murdock was a member of this group and attended their reunion at Moravia in 1902 where he was a speaker.
To-day was the occasion of the annual reunion of the veterans of Southern Cayuga and a large number came to attend the meeting at Morse's grove. . . . Other speakers were . . . M. W. Murdock of Venice. . . . The meeting next year will be at Venice. J. P. Northway of that place was chosen president; M. W. Murdock, secretary.
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Southern Cayuga Veterans Meet. Moravia, Sept. 6 (Syracuse, Onondaga Co., NY, The Sunday Herald, Sunday, 7 September 1902), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Weedsport (Cayuga Co., NY) 1904
The next record that we find of Marcus attending a reunion of Civil War veterans is in September 1904 when the 111th met at Weedsport. Captain Murdock received the honor of becoming President of the 111th Regimental organization at this time.
The annual reunion of the 111th New York Volunteer Infantry was held in this village to-day, over 100 survivors of the regiment being present. Dinner was served at the Willard House to the veterans and friends. . . . The address of welcome was made by Hon. Frank M. Parsons, of this village, and the reply by Captain M. W. Murdock, of Venice. . . . Election of officers resulted in the choosing of Captain M. W. Murdock, of Venice, as president. . . ."
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Veteran's Reunion Held At Weedsport. . . . Weedsport, Sept. 7 (Rochester, Monroe Co., NY, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Thursday, 8 September 1904), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Veterans of Southern Cayuga, Cascade (Cayuga Co., NY) 1905
Captain Murdock, at that time living at Auburn, attended a reunion of the Veterans of Southern Cayuga in September 1905. The group met at Cascade at the head of Owasco Lake but were met with rain, which limited attendance. Nevertheless, Marcus was chosen as Secretary of the organization. Dr. Michael B. Van Buskirk of Aurora, Ledyard, Cayuga Co., NY (formerly of Genoa, Cayuga Co.) was selected as President (16).
Veterans of Southern Cayuga, Cascade (Cayuga Co., NY) 1906
The Veterans of Southern Cayuga again met at Cascade in 1906, perhaps trying to avoid rain by scheduling their reunion for July. Once again, the weather was against the group, and attendence was light as a result. Captain Murdock was elected Secretary and Treasurer for the ensuing year (17).
Veterans of Southern Cayuga, Cascade (Cayuga Co., NY) 1907
Cascade was again the location of the annual reunion of the Veterans of Southern Cayuga in 1907 with a dinner served at the Cascade House on 24 August. Marcus continued in his role as Secretary of the organization at least up to the date of the reunion (18).
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Weedsport (Cayuga Co., NY) 1907
Captain Murdock attended the 1907 Reunion of the 111th at Weedsport in September 1907, about 1 month following the Veterans of Southern Cayuga Reunion.
The One Hundred and Eleventh New York Infantry held its annual reunion at Weedsport Wednesday and the survivors of this fighting organization to the number of 90 met at their headquarters, the Willard house. Literary exercises were held during the day at the Town hall. . . . The officers elected for the ensuing year are . . . committee resolution for the coming year, Gen. Clinton D. MacDougall, Capt. M. W. Murdock and Judge Richard C. S. Drummond, all of Auburn. . . . The following is a list of the survivors in attendance, with their places of residence . . . M. W.[M.] Palmer, Co. I, Merrifield; B. F. Gould, Co. I, Ensenore. . . .-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), The 111th. - Had a Fine Time at Reunion at Weedsport Wednesday (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Democrat-Argus, Tuesday, 24 September 1907), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Port Byron (Cayuga Co., NY) 1908
In September 1908, the 111th Infantry Regiment held their reunion about 3 miles, as the crow flies, west of Weedsport in Port Byron. Captain Murdock presumably was in attendence when the Resolutions Committee to which he had been appointed the previous year presented its Resolutions to the veterans (19).
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Auburn (Cayuga Co., NY) 1910
The next reunion of the 111th Infantry Regiment for which we find evidence of Captain Marcus W. Murdock being in attendence was held 30 August 1910.
The reunion of the survivors of the 111th Regiment, N. Y. Vols., on Aug. 30, at the beautiful home of Gen. and Mrs. MacDougall in South street, Auburn, was an occasion long to be remembered. Tables for the luncheon were spread on the spacious lawn and about two hundred partook of the substantial dinner. . . . Among the members of the regiment the following were present from this part of the county . . . M. W. Murdock, Venice Center . . . M. M. Palmer and B. F. Gould, Merrifield . . . Isaac Darrow, Mapleton. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Reunion of the 111th Regt. (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 9 September 1910), Old Fulton New York Post Cards http://www.fultonhistory.com
General MacDougall had commanded the 111th at Gettysburg. He did great honor to his troops by hosting the reunion of 1910 at his home. Morton M. Palmer and Benjamin F. Gould, both of Company I and by then both living near Merrifield, were again in attendence as they had been in 1907. Isaac Darrow, subject of a previous account and who lived south of Mapleton, was another survivor of Company I, Captain Murdock's original Company.
111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers, Auburn (Cayuga Co., NY) 1911
Captain Murdock attended the 1911 Reunion of the 111th at Auburn.
The 1911 reunion of the One-hundred eleventh regiment, New York Infantry, which was held in this city yesterday. . . . The dinner in the assembly room of the First Methodist church taxed the capacity of the room, but under the adequate management and complete service, the wants of everybody were satisfied and the best of good cheer prevailed. After dinner the literary programme was followed out, as announced, in the auditorium of the church. . . . The names of the following survivors of the regiment were affixed to the register in additon to those published last night. . . . Company G. Captain M. W. Murdock, Venice Center. . . . Company I. . . . M. M. Palmer, Merrifield; B. F. Gould, Merrifield. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Palmyra Next Year - Will Be Meeting Place of 111th Survivors (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Democrat-Argus, Friday, 1 September 1911), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Battle of Gettysburg 50th Anniversary, Gettysburg (Adams Co., PA) 1913
Several accounts refer to Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock attending the "Great Celebration" at Gettysburg in late June-early July 1913 where more than 50,000 Union and Confederate veterans gathered in a great encampment. We know that Marcus was in frail health and had endured bouts of severe illness prior to July 1913, but 50 years had passed since the 111th Infantry Regiment had redeemed itself at Gettysburg after the humiliation of being surrendered at Harper's Ferry in the fall of 1862. We can speculate that Marcus was going to attend the Gettysburg reunion no matter what, given the magnitude of the occasion to him and to his troops. The 111th conducted their regimental reunion on 3 July at the base of the regimental monument. This was to be Captain Murdock's final reunion, for he fell ill upon his return home and died a few weeks later (20).
Captain Murdock's Attendence at Veterans' Funerals
Dr. James D. Benton
Marcus did not fail to remember and honor his military comrades, traveling with other veterans to attend the funeral of Dr. James D. Benton of Cato, Cayuga Co., New York on 18 May 1892.
General C. D. Mac Dougall, Major R. J. Myers, City Treasurer Charles J. Stupp, Frank Stupp, James Donahue, J. Manning Fink, Chauncey L. Hickok, Charles Jennings, R. H. Fletcher, Major John E. Savery of this city, and Capt. M. W. Murdock of Venice, left this morning for Cato where they will attend the funeral of the late Dr. James D. Benton of that village. Dr. Benton was surgeon of the 111th regiment, New York State Volunteers and was one of the most faithful surgeons during the war. He was a man of marked individuality and had a wide acquaintance in Grand Army circles. He was a cousin of Major Myers of the Avery. The survivors of his regiment took with them a beautiful floral design of the "Gates Ajar." On the arch in purple immortelles was 111th New York Vols., and at the base was the red clover leaf the emblem of the Second Army corps of which the deceased was a member. The funeral will be held from the Disciples church in that village this afternoon.
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), To Attend Dr. Benton's Funeral (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Bulletin, Wednesday, 18 May 1892), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Corporal Julius Manning Fink
J. Manning Fink was a Civil War veteran from the Town of Ira, Cayuga Co., New York who had served as a Corporal in Company H, 111th Infantry Regiment, New York Volunteers (21). His funeral was held at Cato.
The funeral of J. Manning Fink was held yesterday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock from his late residence in North street. There was a large gathering of friends and relatives in attendance. Rev. Foster F. Fuller officiating. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), News Of The Nearby Towns - Cato. . . . Sept. 2 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Friday, 2 September 1910), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
We know that Captain Marcus W. Murdock attended the funeral of Corporal Fink because of the following newpaper account.
Captain M. W. Murdock, who was taken ill at the home of Sheriff Jesse E. Ferris Thursday night with a bilious attack, on returning from the funeral of J. Manning Fink at Cato, is gradually recovering. He was able to sit up for a while today, but was not well enough to return to his home in Venice.
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Captain Murdock Improving (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 3 September 1910), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Southern Cayuga County Community Leader
Murdock's Grove
The Grove appears to have been a stand of virgin timber along Big Salmon Creek just west of Venice Center on the Murdock Homestead property. Numerous public events for the surrounding countryside were held in Murdock's Grove, not least of which were large gatherings held by the Southern Cayuga Farmers' Festival and Picnic Association.
Southern Cayuga Farmers' Festival and Picnic Association
Marcus W. Murdock had a long association with the Southern Cayuga Farmers' Festival and Picnic Association, also known as the "Venice Picnic." The Farmers Festival and Picnic appears to have started around 1876, but the first record that we find of Marcus's participation dates from 1884. Given that the Festival occurred on his property, Marcus could rightly be considered the host for the events. It turns out that dances, such as the following in 1884, as well as picnics occurred in the Grove.
The Venice Picnic Association will hold a moonlight hop in M. W. Murdock's Grove this evening. Music by Sam Reynold's band. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), County News. . . . Venice (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Weekly News and Democrat, Thursday, 9 October 1884), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
An event of historical significance occurred at Murdock's Grove in August 1898 when Captain Marcus W. Murdock introduced a fiery talk by the suffragist, Miss Susan B. Anthony, during the 22nd Annual Farmer's Festival of Venice.
The Twenty-second annual Farmers' Festival of Venice was held at Elm Grove [aka Murdock's Grove], just West of Venice Center, yesterday afternoon. About 500 people were on the grounds. Dancing enlivened the afternoon. Miss Susan B. Anthony, the famous woman suffragist, spoke, holding a large audience spellbound. On the platform sat Miss Howland, of Sherwood, Miss Mary Anthony, a sister of Susan B., and Supervisor M. W. Murdock. The latter introduced felic[it]ously, Miss Susan B. Anthony. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Susan B. Anthony's Talk. - Pleads for Franchise for Women at the Venice Farmers' Festival (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Bulletin, Friday, 26 August 1898), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
The next account that we find of Marcus's involvement with the Farmers' Festival occurs in August 1910.
The thirty third annual Southern Cayuga Farmers' Festival will be held at Venice Center on Thursday, Aug. 18. . . . A large tent 60x80 feet, has been purchased by the association and will be put up on the grounds for the accommodation of the large crowd which is expected. Special train on the Short Line. The officers of the association are M. W. Murdock, president. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Village and Vicinity News 12 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 12 August 1910), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
We see from the preceding that Marcus was President of the Festival Association at this time. It is likely that Marcus also was strongly associated with the Festival in most or all of the years between 1876 and 1910.
August 24, which is the Thursday nearest the 20th of the month, is the day upon which the Southern Cayuga farmer's festival and picnic, which is better known as the "Venice Picnic," will be held. It will be held in Murdock's grove, the same as in years past. Stories have been in circulation that the picnic this year would not be held in the historic woodland because former Supervisor-Captain M. W. Murdock had refused the association the use of the grove. Captain Murdock and members of the picnic association were interviewed this morning and they declared that the stories were false and were started by some persons living in Venice for the purpose of injuring the picnic. . . . Captain Murdock said that there was not a word of truth in the story that he had refused the use of the grove and the 5,000 people who an[n]ually attend the big picnic would not be disappointed. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Robbed Of His Watch. . . . Thursday, July 27 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal, Friday, 28 July 1911), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
The Farmers' Festival annual attendance figure of 5,000 people that is attributed to Marcus in the newspaper story above is amazingly large for a hamlet the size of Venice Center. Even taking the attendance with a grain of salt the crowds must have been substantial.
School Picnics
Murdock's Grove also served as a venue for school picnics such as occurred on 22 June 1895.
Two schools on the Indian Field road, the Wood and Sharpsteen districts united in a picnic on Saturday last. It was held in M. W. Murdock's grove. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Cayuga County. Newsy Items From The Townships. . . . Venice Center (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Argus, Friday, 28 June 1895), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
The Wood and Sharpsteen districts would have respectively been School #6 in Lot 61 and School #2 in Lot 85 of the Town of Venice.
Venice Center Hall Association
Citizens of Venice Center and vicinity formed what was called the Venice Center Hall Association in 1911, presumably with the purpose of providing a community venue for meetings, entertainment, and educational events. Marcus W. Murdock was listed as a Director and one of the largest shareholders.
Certificate of incorporation of the Venice Center Hall association was filed with the County Clerk, this morning. The object of the stock corporation is the purchase and sale of real estate, or lease, or hold all of the materials connected therewith and the capital stock is given at $10,000. There are 1,000 shares of common stock at a par value of $10 each and the company begins business with $1,500 capital. The principal place of business is located in Venice Center and all the board of seven directors live in that town. They are Marcus W. Murdock, Warren Beardsley, Charles B. Crippen, Nelson L. Stevens, Frank Mosher, Bert C. Stevens and George D. Wilson. Of the stock, 134 shares have been sold, all to residents of the southern end of the county. M. W. Murdock and W. Beardsley, with 20 shares each, being the largest holders.
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Venice Incorporation. . . . Saturday, Jan. 7 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Auburn Semi-Weekly Journal, Tuesday, 10 January 1911), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Two years later, Marcus was again listed as a Director of the Association (22) but would not serve out the year due to his death in July 1913.
Final Tributes to Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock
Illness, Death, and Burial
We previously noted that Marcus fell ill immediately upon his return from the Great Encampment at Gettysburg in early July 1913.
Capt. M. W. Murdock of Venice Center has been very ill since his return from the Gettysburg reunion. Miss Anna Bush has been caring for him at his home, and Wednesday evening he was brought to L. Allen's in this place to be cared for. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Village and Vicinity News 13 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 18 July 1913), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
LaFayette Allen was a resident of Genoa, Cayuga Co., New York a few miles south of Venice Center. The federal census of 1910 lists LaFayette's wife, Charlotte (Lottie), as a Nurse. It can be inferred that Marcus was being cared for by Charlotte Allen in the household of LaFayette Allen at Genoa after 16 July 1913 until his death there on 23 July 1913 (23).
Funeral
Marcus's funeral was held at the church in Venice Center on Saturday, 26 July 1913. The church in question presumably was the Methodist-Episcopal Church that formerly existed in Venice Center a short distance north of the Murdock Homestead dwelling.
There was a large gathering of people at the funeral of Capt. M. W. Murdock which was held on Saturday at 2:30 o'clock at the church. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Heizer of Ithaca, pastor of the Unitarian church. Prayer was offered by Rev. E. E. Warner, pastor of this church, after which a short and impressive service was given by the G. A. R. A beautiful song was sung by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Lakey of Auburn and two selections were sung by a quartette composed of Mrs. J. F. Streeter, Mrs. Howard Streeter, John Streeter and Geo. B. Crawfoot. There were present quite a large number of fellow comrades who marched behind the casket to and from the church. His three children were present, Stanley and Louise of Cleveland, Ohio, and Madge of Elmira, also J. H. Murdock of Auburn, a nephew, and Mrs. E. S. Akin, a niece, and her son of Glens Falls. There was a profusion of flowers among which were a broken wheel and the gates ajar, presented by the officers and employes of the N. Y., A. & L. R. R. There was also an anchor by the G. A. R., a large wreath by the family and some other pieces. Although Mr. Murdock had not been able to be engaged in any active business for some time, on account of failing health, still he will be missed not only in the home, but about the streets and in some of the homes about town where he had frequently called for a friendly visit. With the exception of the three years that he was in the army his entire life has been spent here in the house where he was born. He was the chief promotor of our railroad for which he spared neither time nor money. He was always interested in any public enterprise, many times going beyond his means to carry out plans that would benefit others. Upon whom will his mantle fall?-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), From Nearby Towns. . . . Venice Center. July 27 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 1 August 1913), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Burial
Captain Murdock was laid to rest in the Venice Center Cemetery, which was sometimes known as the Murdock Cemetery, a short distance south of Venice Center.
Tributes
Newspaper Account
The Genoa Tribune published the following tribute to Captain Murdock's achievements.
In the death of Marcus Wellington Murdock, Southern Cayuga county has lost one of its oldest and most prominent residents. He was born and always lived in the town of Venice, having occupied the house where he was born, at Venice Center, his entire life, except the years which he spent in the army. For many years, he was one of the most active figures in the business and politcal life in his home town. When the civil war called forth the young men of the country, Murdock was one of the first to respond in Cayuga county, and with John Porter White of Moravia, organized Co. I, of the 111th New York Volunteer Infantry, which went to the front with Murdock as first lieutenant. Later he was advanced to the rank of captain of Company A and later was transferred to Company G. His ability as an officer and his fearlessness and valor as a soldier won for him a place among those whose names appear prominently in the history of that great struggle. With the 111th, Captain Murdock participated in most of the battles in which that regiment engaged, and although wounded, he recovered and at the close of the war came home to enter into business with his father, then a produce buyer and farmer of Venice Center. Mr. Murdock served the town of Venice as supervisor for thirteen years and was chairman of the Board in 1909. Failing health forced forced him to decline another term. In politic[s] he was a loyal Republican and took a great interest in the affairs of his party, town, state and nation. Naturally a student, he was always familiar with various questions of government and his advice was sought by many on subjects relating to the welfare of the community. Captain Murdock was of an active disposition and was always prominent in all undertakings for public improvements. At the time of the construction of the New York, Auburn & Lansing railway several years ago, he worked unceasingly to bring about the construction of the road and from his own private resources contributed much money toward the enterprise. This money was lost. He had no regrets, however, and when the first passenger train was eventually run over the road, he declared that he was satisfied that a great good would result to the people in the country through which the road passes. . . .
-- Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Captain M. W. Murdock (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 1 August 1913), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com
Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States
Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock apparently was a member of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. A resolution enacted by that organization in the year following Marcus's death pays tribute to his military service during the Civil War. Several minor details about the number of Marcus's children and his place of death do not detract from the honor presented therein.
[document shown in images of file] Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. HEADQUARTERS COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - 140 NASSAU STREET - New York, April 15, 1914. At a stated meeting of this Commandery, held at Delmonico's, corner of Fifth Avenue and Forty-fourth Street, the following was adopted as the report of the Committee appointed to draft resolutions relative to Original Companion MARCUS WELLINGTON MURDOCK, Captain, 111th N. Y. Infantry (Insignia 13,219), who died at Venice Centre, N. Y. - REPORT. - Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock, U. S. Volunteers, was born at Venice Centre, Cayuga County, New York, May 4, 1837. He was educated in the common schools of his native County and at Canandaigua Academy, New York. He was a farmer by occupation, but took and active part in all that pertained to the interests of his Town and County. At the breaking out of the Civil War, he was greatly interested in the raising of troops and especially of the 111th New York Infantry, as First Lieutenant of Company I, August 20, 1862; as Captain of Company A, May 24, 1864; he was transferred to Company G, as its Captain, July 9, 1864 and discharged for disability, Jan. 25, 1865. He followed the fortunes of the regiment from the time that he was mustered in until he was discharged. He was a good soldier, faithful in the discharge of duty and always on the front line in the midst of hard fighting. While a strict disciplinarian he was ever mindful of the welfare of the men under him. With the regiment, he participated in the battles of Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, The Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Reams Station, and The Siege of Petersburg. After the War, he continued his life as a farmer, but for 16 years [NOTE: Other sources give 13 years - R. A. Post], represented his town in the Board of Supervisors of the County, of which he was considered one of the independent and reliable members. He was united in marriage with Mary E. Lyman at Kingston, Massachusetts, September 21, 1876. Three children were born of this marriage, two of whom survive him. Although advanced in years and in feeble health, he attended the Great Celebration at Gettysburg in 1913, and was present at the re-union of his Regiment, held July 3, 1913, at the base of its monument, located on the very spot where he witnessed and took part in resisting Pickett's World Renowned Charge. The long journey and excitement of the occasion were more than he could bear, and he was taken sick immediately upon his return and on July 23rd, following, died at his home in Venice [NOTE: NY Death Index gives place of death as Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY where another source indicates he had gone for nursing care before his death - R. A. Post]. Resolved. That in the death of Captain Murdock, this Commandery sustains the loss of a Companion who served his country well as a soldier and a citizen. Resolved. That the Commandery extends its sympathy to his family and direct that copies of these resolutions be sent to them. - WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Brigadier-General, U. S. Vols. GORTON W. ALLEN, First Lieutenant and Adjutant, 160th N. Y. Vols. ROLAND R. DENNIS, First Lieutenant, 111th N. Y. Vols. } Committee. - BY ORDER OF PAYMASTER GENERAL EDWIN STEWART, U. S. N. (Retired), Commander. WM. S. COGSWELL, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, U. S. V., Recorder. . . .-- State of New York, New York, Civil War Muster Roll Abstracts, 1861-1900 (Albany, New York, New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center), Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com, Archive Collection #: 13775-83; Box #: 473; Roll #: 126-127.
End of An Era
The demise of Captain Marcus Wellington Murdock was the end of an era. Marcus's grandfather had settled the semi-wilderness of Big Salmon Creek in 1800, and the family had seen their homestead farm and its immediate vicinity develop into Murdock's Corners, later Venice Center, with mills and businesses and connections to larger communities by several successive railroads in the 113 years terminating with Marcus's passing. Although "The Short Line" struggled on until 1923 (24), the time of rural railroads was passing with the advent of the automobile. Small, rural hamlets such as Venice Center would not again see the importance that they enjoyed in their heyday. The career of Captain Murdock as a farmer, soldier, politician, and railroad man capped his era well.
Sources
(1) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Local Department. . . . Jury List for October (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, Cayuga County Independent, Thursday, 14 September 1882), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The list of jurors drawn on Monday for the Circuit Court and Oyer and Terminer to be held in this city in October, is as follows. . . . TRIAL JURORS. . . M. W. Murdock . . . Venice. . . ."
(2) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), The Grand Jurors - Who Will Serve At The County Courts During The Year 1885 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Evening Auburnian, Saturday, 22 November 1884), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "Venice: M. Wellington Murdock. . . ."
(3) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Trial Jurors 3 (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Bulletin, Thursday, 13 November 1890), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The following panel of trial jurors was drawn this morning . . . to serve at the county court and court of sessions to be held at the Court house this city, Dec. 1st. . . M. W. Murdock, Venice. . . ."
(4) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Jurors Drawn. - List of Jurors to Serve at June County Court in Auburn (Rochester, Monroe Co., NY, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Saturday, 6 June 1903), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "Following is a list of jurors drawn to serve at the June term of the County Court, which will convene in Auburn, June 8th . . . Venice, M. W. Murdock. . . ."
(5) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Jury is Secured (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 19 June 1903), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "After a tedious task at jury getting the 12 men who will hear the evidence in the Kern fish net case and determine the defendant's fate were finally secured just before the noon recess and this afternoon the trial was fairly begun. . . . The jury is as follows: 1--M. W. Murdock, farmer, Venice. . . ."
(6) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Auctions 2 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 30 September 1904), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "L. B. Norman, having purchased the entire personal property of Capt. M. W. Murdock, will sell at public auction at the farm of said Murdock, at Venice Center, on Friday, Sept. 30, at 10 o'clock, property including five good work horses, 12 head of high grade Durham cattle, 90 choice sheep, 14 hogs, farm wagons, buggies, harnesses, quantity of farming utensil, quantity of oats, barley, wheat, buckwheat, hay, apples, etc., etc. . . ."
(7) Roger Post (transcriber), Short Line Sale Now Is Rumored (Elmira, Chemung Co., New York, Star-Gazette, Saturday, 25 November 1911), Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/, "Ithaca, Nov. 25.--(Special)--From Syracuse came a report that the so-called Beebe syndicate, which controls the street railway in Syracuse, the Rochester, Syracuse & Eastern Railway company, the Auburn & Syracuse railway and other interurban roads, is the prospective buyer of the Short Line. It is understood that the Beebe syndicate is considering the purchase, providing the matter can be arranged satisfactorily to all persons interested on both sides. Majority stock in the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad company is owned by Albert H. Flint, a New York broker and promoter, who in 1907 bought a controlling interest in the Ithaca Street Railway company."
(8) Hardy C. Lee, revised and expanded by Winton G. Rossiter and John Marcham, A History of Railroads in Tompkins County, 3rd Edition (Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York, DeWitt Historical Society, The History Center in Tompkins County, 2008), https://hdl.handle.net/1813/11518, Chapter 7 The D. L. & W. and the Short Line; p. 51, "The only interurban line actually built was the New York, Auburn & Lansing Railroad, commonly known as the Ithaca-Auburn Short Line [7], promoted by Albert H. Flint. Flint proposed to lay his rails over the old Murdock Line once again. . . . Flint bought a controlling interest in the Ithaca Street Railway in 1907."
(9) Roger Post (transcriber), May Punish Directors. - N & S. Officials in Contempt of Court, It Is Alleged ((New York, New York, New-York Tribune, Sunday, 21 August 1904), Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com, "Justice McCall yesterday signed an order directing Albert H. Flint, John T. Bacon, J. C. Chaplin and others, directors of the railroad company, the Chesapeake Transit Company and the Colonial Trust Company, of Pittsburg[h], to show cause why they should not be punished for contempt in violating the order issued several months ago, restraining them from carrying out their plan for consolidating the Southern road, known as the 'Little Nugget,' with the Chesapeake Transit Company. . . ."
(10) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Matters of Probate. - Property of M. W. Murdock Ordered Sold to Pay Debts (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 24 January 1914), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "In Surrogate's Court an order was granted directing Stanley H. Murdock and Clara Louise Murdock to carry out the decree directing the sale of real estate of the late Marcus W. Murdock of Venice to pay debts against the estate. Bond for $4,000 was filed by the executors. . . ."
(11) Mark Hamilton, Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), To The Brave And Wise - Enduring Memorial Commemoriative Of Learning And Valor (Warrensburg, Warren Co., NY, The Warrensburgh News, Thursday, 11 June 1891), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The survivors of the One Hundred and Eleventh New York Volunteers will on the 26th of June dedicate a monument at Gettysburg that will add another to the many memorials marking the scene of Pickett's charge. . . . The monument is of Gettysburg and Quincy granite, with a figure in bronze, representing a skirmisher in action. The movement to erect a memorial was begun at a reunion of the survivors of the regiment, held at Auburn in 1888. The sum of $1,200 was contributed by the survivors, and this amount, with the $1,500 given by the state, furnished a fund of $2,700. The monument committee consists of General C. D. McDougall [MacDougall], Major R. J. Myers and Sergeant C. J. Stupp, of Auburn, and Captain M. W. Murdock, of Venice Center. General McDougall [MacDougall] will deliver the address of dedication. He led the regiment at Gettysburg and was wounded in the charge of July 2 [NOTE: Should be 3 July from other sources - R. A. Post]. MARK HAMILTON."
(12) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), To The Front. Veterans Re-Visit the Scene of Their Triumph (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Argus, Friday, 30 June 1893), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The survivors of the 111th regiment will also re-visit the scenes of bloodshed and participate in the dedication of the monument on Sunday [NOTE: The monument to the 111th Regiment was first dedicated in 1891 from other sources - R. A. Post]. They will leave this evening on a special train at 8 o'clock. These are the names of veterans residing in this county who will attend the exercises. . . . Fleming, Benjamin F. Gould. . . . Merrifield, M. M. Palmer. . . . Owasco Lake, Edgar B. Havens. . . . Venice Center, M. W. Murdock. . . ."
(13) Henry Hall, The History of Auburn (Auburn, New York, USA, Dennis Bros. & Co., 1869), Internet Archive http://archive.org/, The Record of the War; pp. 434-435, "A stream of volunteers now set in from both counties. Four companies came down from Wayne, and Captains Husk and Northrop reported from Cayuga. Capt. Sidney Mead next brought to camp a band of sturdy farmers from Moravia, and finally, Capt. Tremaine's company from Springport, which, though the first begun, was the last organized, joined the regiment and the command was full. The bulk of this regiment was raised in twelve days, the whole of it in seventeen. Upon the 20th of August, 1862, it was mustered into the service for three years or during the war, as the 111th N. Y. V. Its organization was then as follows. . . . Co. I.--Capt. Sidney Mead; 1st Lieut. Merrill W. Murdock [NOTE: Military records show that his name was Marcus W. Murdock - R. A. Post]. . . ."
(14) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Not All Peace At Camp Dewey (Rochester, Monroe Co., NY, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, Saturday, 27 August 1898), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The fifth day of the encampment of the Wayne County Veterans' Association opened under auspicious skies at Camp Dewey yesterday. . . . At the reunion of the One Hundred and Eleventh Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry, about 100 survivors were present. . . . The following officers were chosen . . . executive committee . . . M. W. Murdock, Venice. . . ."
(15) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Vets In Reunion (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Bulletin, Friday, 18 August 1899), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The survivors of the One Hundred and Eleventh regiment, New York volunteers, are holding their annual reunion at Moravia to-day. . . . The programme for the day is as follows . . . dinner in G. A. R. hall at 12:30 p. m. . . . The officers of the association are . . . chairman of the Executive committee, M. W. Murdock, of Venice."
(16) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), The Village News 6 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 8 September 1905), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The veterans of Southern Cayuga had a moist time for their annual reunion at Cascade last week and the attendance was light. Officers for the next year were chosen as follows: President, M. B. VanBuskirk, Aurora . . . secretary, M. W. Murdock, Auburn. . . ."
(17) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), The Village News 7 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 13 July 1906), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The annual reunion of the veterans of Southern Cayuga, held at Cascade last Saturday, was not largely attended, owing to the inclement weather, but an enjoyable day was had by those who were present. . . . Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows . . . M. W. Murdock, secretary and treasurer. --Moravia Republican. . . ."
(18) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), Reunion of Veterans (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 10 August 1907), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "Arrangements are being perfected for the annual reunion of the Veterans' Association of Southern Cayuga. Cascade has been chosen as the place of meeting and the date is Saturday, August 24. Dinner will be served at the Cascade House. . . . John A. Thomas of Moravia is president of the association and M. W. Murdock of Venice Center is the secretary."
(19) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), In Annual Reunion - Fighting 111th Regiment to Meet at Port Byron (Auburn, Cayuga Co., NY, The Auburn Citizen, Saturday, 19 September 1908), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The annual reunion of the gallant One-hundred and eleventh New York Volunteer Infantry regiment will be held at Port Byron on Tuesday next and nearly all the survivors are expected to be present and have a jolly time. . . . Resolutions will be introduced by a committee consisting of General C. D. MacDougall, Captain M. W. Murdock and City Judge Drummond. . . ."
(20) State of New York, New York, Civil War Muster Roll Abstracts, 1861-1900 (Albany, New York, New York State Archives, Cultural Education Center), Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com, Archive Collection #: 13775-83; Box #: 473; Roll #: 126-127 [document shown in images of file], "Although advanced in years and in feeble health, he attended the Great Celebration at Gettysburg in 1913, and was present at the re-union of his Regiment, held July 3, 1913, at the base of its monument, located on the very spot where he witnessed and took part in resisting Pickett's World Renowned Charge. The long journey and excitement of the occasion were more than he could bear, and he was taken sick immediately upon his return and on July 23rd, following, died at his home in Venice [NOTE: NY Death Index gives place of death as Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY where another source indicates he had gone for nursing care before his death - R. A. Post]. . . .
(21) New York, Town Clerks' Registers of Men Who Served in the Civil War, ca 1861-1865 [Ancestry.com], "Name: Julius Maning [Manning] Fink; Birth Date: 13 Nov 1844; Birth Place: Ira; Father: Christifer Fink; Mother: Sophrona; Residence Place: Auburn; Enlistment Date: 7 Aug 1862; Enlistment Location: Ira, Cayuga, New York; Regiment: 111th Regiment; Company: H; Rank: Corporal; Race: White; Marital Status: Single"
(22) Thomas Tryniski (scan), Roger Post (transcriber), From Nearby Towns. . . . Venice Center. Jan. 14 (Genoa, Cayuga Co., NY, The Genoa Tribune, Friday, 17 January 1913), Old Fulton New York Post Cards https://www.fultonhistory.com, "The annual meeting of the Venice Center Hall association was held on Monday evening of this week at which time the following officers were elected: Directors . . . M. W. Murdock. . . ."
(23) State of New York, New York, Death Index, 1852-1956 (Albany, NY, New York Department of Health), Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com, "Name: Marcus W Murdock; Death Date: 23 Jul 1913; Death Place: Genoa, New York, USA; Certificate Number: 31809"
(24) Hardy C. Lee, revised and expanded by Winton G. Rossiter and John Marcham, A History of Railroads in Tompkins County, 3rd Edition (Ithaca, Tompkins Co., New York, DeWitt Historical Society, The History Center in Tompkins County, 2008), https://hdl.handle.net/1813/11518, Chapter 7 The D. L. & W. and the Short Line; p. 55, "But . . . the Short Line was not carrying enough passengers to remain solvent. The company filed for abandonment in 1923. . . . The mainline closed down operations on October 31, 1923; formal abandonment came in May 1924 and all trackage was torn up in 1925, except for a segment from Ithaca to the powerhouse at Remington, which was operated by the trolley company until 1931."
