The National Tribune, October 25, 1894, Page 8:

Col. Fred J. McMurtrie, Commander of Michigan Division, S. of V., was born Sept. 17, 1867. At the age of four he attended the public schools at bis home in Three Rivers, Mich., graduating from the High School, which is on the University list, at 14 years of age, with not only class honors, but also the distinction of being the youngest graduate from the High School, a distinction he still enjoys.

 

The last two years while attending school he was in reality learning the drug business, and only taking the monthly examinations with his class, while also engaged in the arduous task of combining two years’ school work— eight studies—in one year.

 

Finishing school he entered at once in the continuance of his drug experience, and was one of the first to receive registration under the pharmacy act of 1885 as a registered pharmacist.

The same year he engaged in the drug business for himself, with his father as partner, a business he still enjoys and continues. He is also Secretary of the Michigan Perfume Co., a thriving little manufacturing industry which shows rapid growth.

 

He has been honored by positions of trust and honor, and is serving at present as both City and Township Clerk. An untiring and enthusiastic church worker, his ability in church and Sabbath-school work is always in demand.

Col. McMurtrie was a charter member and originator of Camp 201, Michigan Division, and its first Quartermaster-Sergeant. Elected as its Captain the following year, he served it faithfully and well. His sterling merit becoming known throughout the Division as Assistant Inspector and Assistant Mustering Officer, especially through his muster of Camp 218, the largest and most thriving Camp of the Division, he was elected unanimously Major by the Division Council convened to fill vacancy. At Detroit, in 1891, he was re elected unanimously Major, and the following year, at Battle Creek, made Chairman Division Council. The Division Encampment this year conferred upon him its highest gift by electing him Division Commander, a position whose duties he is promptly, properly, and earnestly attending to, while still finding time to fill his old position as Sergeant of the Guard of his local Camp, 201. “The Little Major,” as he is best known throughout the State, has many stanch friends, while receiving the respect and admiration of all, and we predict for Michigan Division a prosperous year under his leadership.

 

While still so occupied by business, he finds time for social enjoyments, and rumor has it that a certain little blue-eyed lady not 20 miles from his home has won the great, kindly heart but lost her own. Time alone can tell, and we should enjoy being among the first to wish Col. Fred congratulations.

 

Fred McMurtrie’s parents where John Henderson McMurtrie and Annie Corner.   John McMurtrie served as a private in the 16th Michigan Infantry. He died while living with his son in Detroit, Michigan 21 June 1919.

Fred was married to Rose L. Blue on 17 September 1895 in Constantine, Michigan. By 1900, Fred and Rose moved to Detroit, where he worked as a secretary for one of the local street car lines.  Still living in Detroit, in 1910 he was working on his own as an accountant. It does not appear the Fred and Rose had any children. They were both in their 40’s by the 1910 census where they are listed as having had no children.

McMurtrie was a charter member of Russell A. Pealer Camp 201 in Three Rivers.  He was also a member (CHARTER?) of State Camp #1 in Detroit.  Among the positions he has held are Division Colonel (Dept. Commander), Division Major (Dept. Senior Vice Commander), and Department Historian. It is likely that he was serving in the capacity of Historian when he passed away – among his papers donated to the Burton Historical Collections in Detroit were the early records of the Michigan Sons of Union Veterans.