1820-1864

William S. Murphy

Private William Samuel Murphy
December 8, 1820 – August 23, 1864
Company K, 40th New York Infantry Regiment

Born in New Scotland, Albany County, New York, William Samuel Murphy was the son of Samuel and Harriet (Martin) Murphy. He enlisted in the Union Army during the Civil War and served with Company K of the 40th New York Infantry Regiment.

On May 22, 1864, during the Overland Campaign, William was captured at the Battle of North Anna River in Virginia. He was sent to the infamous Confederate prison camp at Andersonville, Georgia—one of the most notorious sites of suffering and death during the war.

Tragically, he died of illness while in captivity on August 23, 1864. He is buried at Andersonville National Cemetery in Georgia.

Although his final resting place is far from home, a cenotaph in his honor stands in Woodland Cemetery, Delhi, New York, ensuring that his sacrifice is remembered by the community he left behind.