James Fisk, was known for his colorful life, scandalous affairs, and controversial business dealings. He married Lucy Moore (an orphan raised by an uncle) in 1854 when he was 19 and she was 15. Lucy remained with Fisk despite his numerous extramarital affairs.
Fisk became romantically involved with Josie Mansfield, a woman who epitomized Victorian standards of beauty. Fisk provided Mansfield with an apartment near the Erie Railroad headquarters and constructed a passageway connecting the two buildings. Their relationship became a source of public scandal, particularly after Mansfield fell in love with Fisk's business associate, Edward Stiles Stokes, known for his good looks. Mansfield and Stokes both left their respective partners.
In 1872, Stokes and Mansfield attempted to extort money from Fisk by threatening to publish letters that allegedly implicated Fisk in illegal activities. Fisk refused to give in to their demands, leading to a confrontation at the Grand Central Hotel on January 6, 1872. Stokes shot Fisk twice, wounding him fatally in the abdomen. Fisk, just 36 years old, died the next morning after identifying Stokes as the shooter.
Stokes claimed self-defense but faced a tumultuous legal battle. His first trial for first-degree murder ended in a hung jury, with rumors of jury tampering. A second trial found him guilty and sentenced him to death, but the verdict was overturned on appeal. In a third trial, Stokes was convicted of manslaughter and served four years of a six-year sentence at Sing Sing Penitentiary.
Fisk's body was displayed for public viewing at the Grand Opera House, which he had owned, and thousands of people came to pay their respects. Despite his vilification by high society for his immoral behavior and business practices, Fisk was beloved by many working-class New Yorkers and employees of the Erie Railroad. He was also known as "Colonel" for his nominal command of the 9th New York National Guard Infantry Regiment, though his only notable military experience was during the Orange Riot of 1871. Fisk is buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro, Vermont.
