Cleveland's re-nomination; and 1892, when he first supported David B. Hill before backing Cleveland. Murphy was chosen as a delegate to the national convention in 1896, but did not attend because of ill health, and was replaced by alternate Wilson S. Bissell. Though he was against the Free silver policy advocated by William Jennings Bryan, once Bryan was nominated, Murphy supported him for president in the general election. Murphy attended the 1900 Democratic National Convention as a delegate, and again supported Bryan for the presidential nomination. Murphy's name appeared in several news accounts as a potential candidate for the vice presidential nomination, but he disclaimed any interest and made no move to obtain it. In 1904, Murphy was again a delegate to the Democratic Party's national convention, and supported Alton B. Parker for president. State party chairman From 1887 to 1894 he was chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee. As chairman, Murphy won praise for planning and executing strategies that resulted in Democratic victories in all but one of the statewide elections that took part during his tenure. In addition, Democrats reclaimed control of the state legislature, which enabled the election of two simultaneously-serving Democratic U.S. Senators from New York (including Murphy) for the first time since the 1840s. US Senator In 1893 he was elected a U.S. Senator from New York, and he served from March 4, 1893 to March 3, 1899. In 1899, he was defeated in his bid for re-election by Republican Chauncey M. Depew. Murphy served on the Education and Labor Committee, and he was Chairman of the Committee on Relations with Canada in the 53rd Congress. Later years He resumed his former business activities, including investing in real estate and serving as president of the Troy Gas Company and vice president of the Manufacturers' National Bank of Troy. He was also a major investor in the Troy City Railway and the city's electric company. For several years he was chairman of the Democratic Party in both the city of Troy and in Rensselaer County. Death Murphy died at his summer home in Elberon, New Jersey, on August 3, 1911. He was interred in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Troy. Honors In 1891, St. John's College awarded Murphy the honorary degree of Master of Arts. In 1894, St. John's presented him with an honorary LL.D. degree. Family Murphy was married to Julia Delehanty (1842–1915)