diss 

roiATii^iii N'^ 



-13 



ST. ACMES' CEMETIlPY 



ALIWMN', MI:\V N'OI?K\ 




"He is not here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the 
place where the Lord lay."— St. Matthew, xxviii : (i. 



5t. AgiAcs' Cen^dcry 



. . ITS . 



Prist ciiKl Presc^iif AssocicitioiAS 



liDII 1:0 \'>\ .NN'I^OM A. COOX'liY 



,* .* 



Frederick S. Hills. Compiler and Publisher 
albany, new york. 1899 




41:^54 



COPYRIGHT, 1899 
By FREDERICK S HILLS 



IAll Rights Reserved] 



copies Receive 







PPIiPATOI^N^ 




iIIE object of the publisher has been tt) prepare an elaborate and 
attractive work upon St. Agnes' Cemetery, beautifully illustrated, 
and to give in brief a history of its founders. In preparing the 
work herewith presented for public criticism or approval, the publisher has 
sought to give a history in a form befitting the beauty and solemn grandeur 
of this, one of our most beautiful cities of the dead. To the architectural, 
artistic and natural beauties he has given mention in a necessarily limited 
form, as fuller and freer pen-pictures of the many topics meriting extensive 
notice were impossible within the space devoted to such subjects. 

St. Agnes' Cemetery : many who planned it, and worked for it, now sleep 
within its shades, beneath the sod where taste and tenderness have wrought 
their names in marble, and it has been left to later generations to carry on 
their beneficent work. 



•■So many born, so many died to-day — 

Thousands of angels passing up and down ; 
They come to us. they go to wear their crown. 
And keep Iwixt heaven and earth an open way." 




.SIil:TC:H or 5T. AGNES' CEMETEPV 

A narrow home; and far beyond it lieth 

The land whereof no mortal lips can tell. 
We strain our sad eyes as the Spirit f lieth; 

Our fancy loves on heaven's bright hills to dwell. 

y FROil the river bank, on a o'cntle declivity which cmwns the 
g-rassy slopes above the current of the Hudson, at a point where 
the most beautiful pancn-ama of the stately river unfolds itself to 
view, is St. Agnes" Cemetery, where sleeps a multitude of Albany's former 
cherished citizens. In that silent resting place over which the summer sun 
spreads a dazzling mantle of light, and the winter snows fling, as a tribute, 
their spotless shroud, are those who were ever associated with the busy life 
and progressive fortunes of the twin hilled city. This solemn spot, the 
shrine to which hundreds of visitors repair in early spring, in the full flush 
of summer and in the mellow autumn, to lay some loving tribute upon the 
earth that covers some dear one or to breathe a prayer in remembrance, 
bears the name of the fairest, gentlest, purest Christian maiden who ever 
appeared before the Heavenly Throne in the white robe of virginity, washed 
in the blood of the Lamb bj- martyrdom. 

Our true resting place and earthly home is beneath the sod. The brief 
span of life, the short sojourn in sumptuous mansion or humble dwelling, 
the few fleeting hours of joy, sorrow, triumph or suffering, are insignificant 
when compared with the ages that must elapse after we have finished our 
course and when we lie down on our last couch, there to await the final 
consummation. Time and the world go on in their ceaseless round and 
relentless progress, regardless of those who fall by the way. The most 
prominent figure of the day is forgotten on the morrow, when laid away in 
the silent grave. Names which once, as living realities, thrilled or convulsed 

9 



the world are now but nebulous phantoms on the pages of history, occasion- 
ally evoked " to point a moral or adorn a talc." Even those who were in life 
objects of tender care and loving solicitude in their little circle, become but 
fading images in the hearts of those they have left behind when Time shakes 
its healing wings over the soul which sorrows had parched and dried. It is 
a wi.se, beneficent provision of our nature that Time should dull the keen 
edge of grief, however heartless it might seem at first to forget those once 
so dear to us. It would be a forbidding world and ra\-less life, were sorrow 
to sit always beside us as a companion, recalling the loss and separation 
which Death has caused. 

It is to mitigate to some extent the oblivion of the grave, this forgctful- 
ness of the silent inhabitants there, that so much attention, liljcralitv and 
artistic skill are expended upon our cemeteries. While we may not make 
our hearts perpetual shrines for the mental images of the loved ones who 
have gone before, we can bestow loving care on the earthly tenement in 
which their dear forms are laid. The best skill of the sculptor, the landscape 
artist, the florist and the experienced cemetery superintendent, are enlisted 
in this gracious work. The time has long passed away when the cemetery 
Avas only a collection of individual graves, arranged without order or harmonv 
of design, when an expensive and artistic monument lost much of its attrac- 
tivene.ss by the incongruity of its .surroundings. As in the laying out of 
modern cities, convenience, harmony and good taste and the fitness of the 
individual parts to make up a congruous whole, are taken into consideration, 
so in the City (.)f the Dead the.se qualities should be combined and applied in 
their most comprehcnsix'c meaning. .Such a result has been attained in 
vSt. Agnes' Cemetery. 

Thirty years ago the Right Rev. Bishop Conroy of Albany, stood on a 
wide platform on the brow of the hill, clad in his episcopal robes, mitre on 
head and crozicr in hand, pronouncing the solemn words which converted 
the verdant slope into consecrated ground. It was a fair vSpring day, 



May ig, 1867, and thousands of spectators lined the grassy declivity from 
the platform down towards the Troy road. Beside the liishop stood 
Rev. Father Burke, who was to succeed him in after years as bishop of All^any; 
Rev. Father Wadhams and Rev. Father Ludden, who were also to wear the 
mitre on a future day ; Rev. Fathers Bayard, Noethen, Smith and Taney. 
vSt. Agnes' Cemetery was incorporated on May 9, 1867. The incorporators 
were : Bisho]) Conroy. Rev. l^^dgar I*. Wadhams, Peter Cagger, John Tracev, 
William S. Preston, James Hall, William Cassidy, Thomas ]\Iattimorc, John 
Stuart, Jo.seph Clinton, Thomas Kearney, Robert Higgins, John McArdle, 
John Mullen and Henry Leuke. To these gentlemen, whose wise fore- 
thought suggested the idea, are the Catholics of Albany indebted for the 
beautiful City of the Dead. The grounds were purchased by IMr. Peter 
Cagger from the former owners and conveyed to the new cemetery. Many 
of the founders and incorporators are buried there. 

The finst interments made in St. Agnes' Cemetery were the bodies of 
Catharine N. Haggerty, William H. Poe and Thomas Poe, June 2, 1868. A 
month later Peter Cagger was laid at rest in the beautiful grounds. 

On May 14, 1867, at a meeting of the Tru.steesof the Cemetery, Mr. Peter 
Cagger was elected first president of the association. At the same meeting 
Mr. Thomas Kearney was elected secretary, and Mr. William .S. Preston, 
treasurer. Mr. Kearney declined to serve and Mr. John Stuart was chosen 
secretary in his place. President Cagger was one of the most active and 
earnest of the incorporators. After the lamentable death of the first presi- 
dent, there was not a moment's hesitation as to the selection of a succe.ssor ; 
Mr. William Cassidy was the unanimous choice of the trustees. It was he 
who drew up and prepared the rules and regulations for the government of 
the cemetery. His liroad, comprehensive mind and ])ractical methods did 
much towards giving the new cemetery a successful inauguration. Right 
Rev. Bi,shop Conroy, became the third president of the as.sociation, and the 
result of his zeal and labors was shown in the development of plans for 
improving and beatitifying the grounds. 



The next president was Right Rev. Bishop McNeirny, and during- his 
twenty years' terra of office, he was indefatigable in his efforts to bring the 
cemetery to the standard of picturesque beauty, good taste and harmonious 
symmetry, of which it is now such a striking example. He was succeeded 
by Bishop Burke. 

The first superintendent of .St. Agnes' Cemeterv was John B. Gordon, 
and the ten years of his administration were years of toil in converting the 
hillside into something like cemetery shape. At a meeting of the tru.stees 
on June 20, 1867, Messrs. William H. Grant and Donald G. Mitchell were 
appointed engineers to lay out the grounds. Peter Hoganand Peter Brown, 
engineers, were engaged successively by the Cemeterj' Association. The 
former had charge of the engineering part of the work for the first seven 
years after the cemetery was opened. Mr. Gordon was succeeded bv 
jNIr. Thomas Behan in 1877. 

On October 6, 1886, Ihe present superintendent, Benjamin D. Judson 
took charge of the cemetery and has abundantly vindicated the wisdom of 
tlie choice. His ten years' experience as assistant superintendent of the 
Albanv Rural Cemetery left him admirably equipped for the duties of the 
position to which lie was appointed. The improvements made upon the 
grounds of St. Agnes' Cemetery during Superintendent Judson 's administra- 
tion can only be appreciated by those who recall to mind its condition and 
appearance eleven years ago. Labor, .skill and money have been liberally 
expended in placing the avenues, kiwns, buildings, fences and other appur- 
tenances in the most substantial condition. The drainage is complete, and 
the (grounds are ornamented with a choice collection of trees and hardv 
shrubs and plants. 

To-day St. Agnes' Cemeter)- will take high rank in its admirable man- 
agement and care. The modern landscape lawn pkm wliich harmonizes 
with nature and avoids tawdry show, prevails in all works of improvement 
upon the grounds and about tlie office at the entrance of the grounds. 



The transaction of business is according- to the most approved system, 
with its full set of maps and books of record. 

The success of Air. Judson's arduous labors is largeh' to be attributed to 
the progressive spirit of the Board of Trustees and the hearty co-operation 
of the lot-owners. 

He has a valuable assistant superintendent, Charles I. G. Flaherty, of 
Albany, who has proved a faithful co-worker with Superintendent Judson. 

The extent of the cemetery is about fifty acres, and a master-hand by a 
careful course of modern landscape gardening has developed the latent 
beauty of the place, and has converted the slopes of the hill on all sides and 
the unsightly ravine that divides the old from the new portion of the ceme. 
tery into scenes of picturesque beauty. The ravine has been filled up to an 
extent to give its sides symmetrical proportions; sweeping curves have 
replaced sharp turnings of the roads and the latest and most improved 
modern methods have been put into successful operation. The thinning 
out of the thick groves of evergreens has made a vast improvement in the 
appearance of the grounds. 

A very pleasing instance of the reverence and thoughtfulness shown by 
the lot-owners, is the number of lots which now receive constant attention 
from the " Perpetual Care Fund." The interest on the amount placed in 
this fund by owners of lots, relieves them from all anxiety as to the carino- 
for the last resting place of themselves and their loved ones who have gone 
before. One pleasing feature in the history of St. Agnes' Cemetery is the 
liberal manner in which the trustees have responded to calls for assistance 
from Catholic institutions of Albany. The Cemetery Association, by its 
timely aid. has relieved many a worthy charity or educational enterprise 
from embarrassment just at the time it was most needed. 

13 



Since the organization of the Cemetery Association, over thirty years 
ao-o, thirty-four persons have held the office of trtistee, eighteen of whom 
(lied in office. The following is the list : 

*Right Rev. Bishop Conroy, . - - - Term of service. 1S67 to 1895 

*Right Rev. Bishop Wadhams, - - - " " 1S67 to 1S74 

• *Right Rev. Bishop McNeirny, . . . •• " 1872101894 

Right Rev. Bishop Burke, - . . - " " 1873 

*Peter Cagger. -.-----" " 1867 to 1S68 

*Winiam Cassidy, " " 1867 to 1873 

*Joseph Clinton, " " 1867101873 

James Hall, ------ " " 1867 to 1870 

*Matthew Hawe, " " i874 to 1880 

*Robert Higgins, ------ " " 1867 to 18S5 

*Thomas Kearney. " " 1867 to 1893 

*John McArdle, " " '867 to 1S74 

*Thomas Matiimore, ------ " " 1867 to 1887 

♦Patrick McHugh, - - - - - - " " 1 88 1 to 1882 

*Michael McHugh, ...--- " " 1S91 to iSoc 

*\Villiam D. Morange, ■' " 1869 to 1895 

*Juhn Mullon, " " 1867 to 1886 

William;S. Preston, ------ " " 1867 to 1S76 

*John Stuart, ------- " " 1S67 to 1880 

*JohnTracey, " " 1S67 to 1875 

Henry Leuke, " " 1867 

*Thomas Behan, " " '874 to 187S 

Charles Tracey, ------ " " 1875 

M. M Nolan, ------- " •' 1875 

R. J. Carmody, - " " '876 

*Terence J. Quinn, - " " 1876 to 1S7S 

Michael Delehanty, " " '881 

P. J. Wallace, ------ " " 1882 

John H. Farrell, ------ " " 1S82 

Thomas B. Coleman, " " 1S86 

James G. Fitzgerald, " " '878 

Peter J, Flinn, ..----- " •' 1887 

Thomas A. Stuart, " " 1896 

Thomas W. Cantwell, " " 1896 

•Dead 



14 




HE DIOCESE OF ALBANY was erected by the Holy See in 
1S47, and was then bounded on the north and east l)y the limits 
of the State of New York, extended south to the forty-second 
degree of north latitude, and west to the eastern limits of Cayuga, 
Tompkins and Tioga counties. This vast territory, now the seat of several epis- 
scopal sees, embraced the territories which had been sanctified by the early mis- 
sions along our northern borders and the famous Iroquois missions. It was the 
scene of early martyrdoms, including those of Fathers Jogues and Rene 
Goupil, and was the birthplace and long the home of the saintly Indian 
virgin, Catharine Tegakouita. Few parts of our republic have so heroic and 
interesting a Catholic history. In and about Alljany proper, prior to the 
Revolution, Catholicity had scarcely a resting place. The earliest church in 
Albany was erected in 1 798, under the zealous efforts of Rev. John Thayer, 
a convert to the faith from Boston. Fathers Burke and Kohlmann. Rev. Mr. 
McQuaid, Rev. ^lichael O'Gorman and Rev. Michael Carroll, were success- 
ively the pastors at Albany. The city was blessed in 1830, by the advent of 
the Sisters of Charity, who conducted the schools and orphan asylum. 
Churches were built in other parts of the diocese, at Carthage, Utica, Verona, 
Oneida, Florence, Constableville, Salina, Schenectadv, vSandv Hill, Binsj;- 
hamton, Saratoga and other places. Right Rev. John McCloskey, co-adjutor 
of Archbishop Hughes of New York, afterwards the first American Cardinal, 
was appointed first Bishop of Albany in 1847, and at that time Albany 
possessed four churches, one of which, St. Mary's, became his Cathedral. In 
the remainder of the diocese there were about forty churches, but there were 
not priests enough to give each church a pastor. Bishop McCloskey's adminis- 
tration was eminently successful, as was evidenced by the rapid and wonder- 
ful increase of churches and priests, schools, academies, asylums and other 
works of the Church. In 1864, Bishop McClo.skey became Archbishop of 
New York, and left to the Albany dioce.se as the fruits of his labors and of 
his clergy and people, one hundred and thirteen churches, eight chapels, and 
fifty stations, eighty-five priests, and the diocese had received the Augustin- 
ians, Franciscans, and Oblates of Mary Immaculate ; also the Ladies of the 
Sacred Heart, the Sisters of Mercy, Christian Brothers, Sisters of Charitv, 
Sisters of vSt. Joseph, the Canadian (iray Nuns, and .Sisters of the Third 
Order of St. Francis. His successors in the charge of the .Vlbanv dioce.se 
were Bishops Conroy, McNeirney and Burke. 





1 



|IIE RIGHT REV. JOHN JOSEPH CONROY, second Bishop of 
Alljany, his predecessor being Bishop, afterwards Cardinal 
McCloskey, was born at Clonaslee, Queens County, Ireland, in 
the year i8ig. He came to America when a boy of eighteen years 
and after a course of instruction at Mount St. Mary's College, Emmets- 
burg, Md., he was ordained priest in 1842. Then he became president of 
St. John's College, Fordham, from which he was transferred to the pastorate 
of St. Joseph's Church, Albany. He was consecrated Bishop of Albany, 
October 15, 1865, resigned on account of ill health on October 10, 1877, and 
was transferred to the see of Curium on ]\Iarch 22, 187S. He was one of the 
original incorporators of .St. Agnes' Cemetery. It was upon his application to 
the mother house of the Ladies of the Sacred Heart that in 1853 an academy 
of that order was founded in Albany. He was one of the founders of St. 
Vincent's Orphan Asylum, and in 1868, he dedicated the new St. ]\Iar3''s 
church. He was a man of great learning and remarkable executive ability 
and was beloved by Albanians of all den(miinations. For twenty years he 
was pastor of St. Jo.seph's church, and it was mainly through his efforts that 
l\Iadame Albani was enabled to win her world-wide reputation. Albany is 
full of monuments of the good work done by him — churches, schools, orphan 
asylums, cemeteries, all institutions for the welfare of his flock, received his 
care. Bishop Conroy died Nov. 20, 1895, and his remains rest in the 
Episcopal vault of the Cathedral of the Immacculate Conception. Bishop 
Conroy was not only a learned theologian, but he was remarkable for 
administrative ability and intellectual power, and would have been dis- 
tinguished in any other sphere of life, if devotional piety had not led to his 
ecclesiastical vocation. He was thoroughly patriotic and all his influence 
was given during the civil war to promote the preservation of the Union. 
Albany in many ways experienced the benefits of his abounding goodness 
and zeal to join in all that tended towards the benefit and improvement of 
the community. 

16 




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1/:!^L<.. 6. yj{ W2c//,.«,s. ^\ 




HE RT. REV. EDCiAR PRIXDLE WADIEVMS was born in 
Lewis Township, Essex County, N. Y., May 21, 1S17, of Protest- 
ant parents. After receivinj^- an elementary education at home, 
he was .sent to Middleburg College, Vermont, where be graduated in 1838. 
Of an earnest and pious mind he studied theology at the General Theological 
vSeminary in New York city. He reached divine orders and was attendin<r 
a mission at Ticonderoga, N. Y., when yielding to his own rea.soning and 
study, he became a Catholic and went to St. M;iry's Seminary, Baltimore, 
Md., where he was formally received into the church by the learned 
Father Fredet in June, 1846. He received minor orders in the following 
year and was ordained a priest by Bishop McClcskey, of Albany, in his 
pro-Cathedral of St. Mary's, on January 15, 1850. He .served first as an 
assistant under Bi.shop McChxskey, of St. Mary's and in the new Cathedral 
of the Immaculate Conception of which he became pastor in 1866. He was 
made Vicar-Czeneral of the dioce.se of Albany, his zeal and ability being 
recognized by all. He was one of the original Board of Directors of St. 
Agnes' Cemetery Association and .served from 1867 to 1874. The diocese 
of Ogdensburg was created in 1S72. Father Wadhams was chosen as its 
first Bi.shop and was consecrated at the Albany Cathedral by Archbishop 
McClo.skey, on May 5, 1872, and installed in his dioce.se the following May. 
As the dioce.se was large and much of it a wilderness. Bishop Wadhams' 
labors were hard and his resources limited, but in this he fulfilled the great 
rule of his life in the ministry.— " The priests are for the people, not the 
people for the priests." Bishop Wadhams died December 5, 1891, and his 
tomb is m the crypt of the Cathedral in Ogdensburg, X. Y.. where he 
labored so faithfully for nearly twenty years. 



21 




[he right rev. FRANCIS M( XEIRXY, third Bishop of 
Albany, was born in New York city, April 25, 182S. His first 
studies were at the College of jMontreal under the Sulpician 
Fathers. He then entered the Seminary of St. vSulpia, in the same city, 
for the purpose of preparing himself for the priesthood. After distinguished 
success as professor in his Alma Mater, he was ordained priest by Arch- 
bishop Hughes in 1854. That greatest of American prelates appointed him 
his secretary, and Bishop McXeirny accompanied the Archbishop to Rome 
in the year of his ordination, to witness the promulgation of the sublime 
doctrine of the Immaculate Conception b}- Pope Pius IX. On his return he 
became pastor of .St. Mary's Church, at Rondout, and in 1871 he was named 
co-adjutor to Bishop Conroy. His consecration as Bishop took place on April 
21, 1S72, in the same cathedral where, eighteen years before, he was 
ordained priest. He was the fourth President of St. Agnes' Cemetery 
Association, serving from 1872 to 1894. He succeeded Bishop Conroy in 
the care of the Albany Diocese in 1877. He was a prelate of exceptional 
ability, rare eloquence, great mental culture, mo.st refined taste, courtly 
manner and unremitting devotion to the responsible duties of his high 
office. He was one of tho.se rarities in ecclesiastical circles a singing 
bishop, possessing a superb well-trained voice. His rule was gentle and 
paternal, and both priests and laity loved him and revere his memory. His 
keen, logical intellect, incisive literary style and varied mental equipments 
distinguished him wherever he went and attracted attention in Ronae itself. 
His eloquence was of the most attractive kind, clear and forcible, going 
straight to the heart of his theme in a manner that enlisted the rapt atten- 
tion of his hearers. Bishop McNeirny's body rests in the vault of the 
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception beside that of his immediate 
predecessors. The fatal illness seized him during the divine services on 
Christmas Day. but lie insisted upon officiating both morning and evening. 
Death came with the New Year, leaving a city to mourn its loss. He died 
in Albany, January 2, 1894. 




01a f^„. .^.„.„a ., /L^.^„,, Q[ ^. 




J^ qVvArwvO^ X. i^. V^wvA^ 




\)JU> 





[HE RKiHT REV. T. M. A. BURKE, who presides at present 
over the diocese in which St. Agnies' Cemeter}- is located, is 
tlie fourth Bishop of Albany, being- appointed on ]\Iay i8, 1894. 
He was born in Ireland in 1S40 and was brougdit to this country whilst yet a 
child. His father. Dr. Ulic Burke, first .settled in Utica, N. Y., and in that 
city the earlier years of the future bishop were spent. His bent was always 
towards the religious and it did not require advice or persuasion to lead him 
towards the holy ministry. His aspirations were in that direction from the 
beginning, and when in 1855, at the age of fifteen, he had fitted him.self to 
pass a collegiate entrance examination, he was sent to St. Michael's College, 
Toronto, and the following year to St. Charles College, Ellicott City, Md. 
Having made a brilliant record in college, the young candidate for the 
priesthood was ordained on June 30, 1864, at St. Mary's Seminary, Balti- 
more, Bishop MacFarland, his former pastor in Utica, officiating on the 
occasion. Albany was his first mission and he w^as appointed assistant to 
Rev. C. Fitzpatrick, of St. John's Church, and after seven months was 
transferred to St. Joseph's Church, with which his name has been so long 
and so gloriously associated. He became its rector in 1874, having been 
for eight years in charge of the parish under Bishop Conroy. In 1887 he 
became vicar-general of the diocese, and fre'qUerttly the entire administration 
of its affairs fell upon his shoulders. In 1871 and 1889 he visited Rome 
and the Holy Land. After his visit to Jerusalem he became Knight of the 
Hoty Sepulchre, and upon his appointment as Bishop of Albany, he was 
elevated to the highest order of knighthood, being made a Knight of the 
Grand Cross. The ceremony of his consecration as bishop took place at the 
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Albany, July i, 1894, and it was 
the most impressive ever known in the Capital City. Thousands flocked to 
the magnificent temple of religion to do honor to the truly great man, great 
in his devotion, his humility, his simplicity, his profound learning and 
his work in the service of God. His administration as bishop has been a 
remarkable sttccess and has given a powerful impetus to the advancement 
of the faith to which his heart and soul have been devoted. 

27 




I-:TER CA(i(iP:R, the first President of the Board of Trustees 
of St. Aenes' Cemetery, and the man wlidse faith, enersjv. and 
lilieralitv first developed the possibilities of "The Silent City," 
was one of the most distingaiished eitizens of his time. Few members of 
the Albany bar left a brig-hter or more lasting reeord. than Peter Cagger. 
Born at Albany, November lo, 1.S14, of Irish parents, his entire dife was spent 
in his native citv. As a political leader he has had no ecjual since his death. 
The following just tribute has been paid U> him by one wim knew him well : 
"Bold, sagacious, the sole daring manager of the interests of a great 
party, he was so happily constituted as to attract without effort, in seasons 
of fierce ])olitical excitement, the most potential among those of antagonistic 
sentiment, and to number among his friends his most Ijiltcr political 
opponents. A Catholic of the Catholics, his vcr\- name a tradition and 
hou.sehold word among the people of his faith : largely identified with the 
history of the old church in Albany ; an intelligent, conscientious and 
faithful believer, he was, at the same time, the chosen confidant, the 
fruniliar friend, the trusted, most honored and relial)le adviser of many 
wdiose religious bias might have suggested other counsel and far different 
associations. To the voung, the middle-aged, his contemporaries and the 
old there was something so genial, so magnetic and so inspiring about Peter 
Cagger that the abrupt intelligence of his sudden and unljoked for death 
was clothed with additional pain." Mr. Cagger married the daughter of 
James Maher. who was St;ite librarian and a gallant soldier in the war of 
1812. His second wife was the sister of William Cassidy. Mr. Cagger's 
first law experience was in the office of Reynolds & Woodruff, which he 
quitted to form a partnership with Mr. Samuel Stevens. Then followed the 
firm of Hill, Cagger & Porter, which will go down to posterity as one of the 
most remarkable combinati"ns of ability ami fitness for the several depart" 
ments of a great law firm ever known in the annals of the State. On the 
6th of July. 1868, while riding with Mr. Devlin, in Central Park, New York 
city, Mr. Cagger was thrown from the carriage and in.stantly killed. This 
distressing event cast a gloom over his native city, whither his remains 
were tenderly carried. 

28 




WILLIAM CASSIDY. 




WILIJAAA CA55IDy 

X THE LOT where the remains of the brilliant editor, William 
Cassidy, are interred, stands an imposini;' altar tomb, covered by a 
canopy and supported upon four columns. The altar is marble, 
and the whole forms one of the most impressive monuments in the cemetery. 
Noble and graceful in its proportions, artistic to the highest degree in every 
detail of its design and finish, it is the admiration of every keen lover of art 
who visits the Cemetery. The massive cross which crowns the monument is 
simple and severe in its design. The four stately pillars, supporting the 
canopy, are exquisite in their symmetry and ornamentation. The altar itself 
is a broad massive work of art, beautifully chased and ornamented on the 
sides. It is reached b}' a flight of stone steps of handsome design and artistic 
finish. Near bv this imposing monument are the plots in which repose the 
remains of men closely identified with the work of vSt. Agnes' Cemetery, 
namel\% John Trace}*, John Stuart, John Midlon, Patrick AIcHugh, Thomas 
Mattimore, William D. Morange and Peter Cagger. 

33 




ILLIAM CASSIDY. second president of St. Agnes" Cemetery 
Association, was born in Albany on August 12. 181 5. His grand- 
father had settled in the old homestead at the corner of Chapel 
street and Maiden Lane, when he came from Ireland, in 1790. Mr. Cas.sidy 
was reared in the Catholic faith of his fathers and was educated at the Albany 
Academy, under Dr. Beck, until the age of sixteen. He then went to Union 
College, vSchenectady — Dr. Eliphalet Xott being president — and graduated 
the following year, 1833. Soon after he entered the office of Judge James 
McKown and John Van Buren, where he studied law faithfully. While thus 
engaged he began political writing, contributing anonymously to several 
Democratic papers. In the spring of 1843 he became part owner and sole 
editor of the Albany Atlas, a Democratic daily newspaper, which had been 
started a short time previously. In this position his work was, for many 
years, almost unceasing, but he brought to it an ever ready pen, a mind 
stored with choice and varied reading, and a pure and abiding love for his 
profession. In 1841 he was appointed State Librarian, and in 1846 he was 
nominated for State Printer. In 1856 the Atlas and Argus newspapers were 
consolidated, and in 1865 Mr. Cassidy formed the Argus Company, a joint 
stock association, of which he remained president until his death. For thirty 
years he was editor-in-chief of his paper, and in all these years his paper and 
its teachings held high and honorable rank in the State and nation. In 1866 
he made a tour of Europe, as a respite from his labors. In 1867 he was 
elected to the Constitutional Convention, and in 1872 he was one of the six- 
teen appointed by Governor Hoffman ( )n the State commission to revise the 
con.stitution. He always shrank from public office, his only ambition being 
to serve the people well through the columns of his newspaper. He died 
January 23, 1S73, and was interred in St. Agnes' Cemetery, in which he always 
took the warmest interest. 

34 





'/Zy^i 



'T 







REV. CLERGY. 



PEVEI^IiNI) {L\z\X]\ 




HIS MASSIVE MONUMENT, surmounted by a Latin cmss, stands 
in one of the most picturesque places in the Cemeterv, and attracts 
universal attention by its comniandini;- proportions. Several 
clergymen, who have died in Albany and vicinity and who had no immediate 
relatives residing here, are interred under the shadow of this monument. 
As a general rule the great majority of clergymen have their own individual 
lots in different parts of the Cemetery. Directly under the die of the monu- 
ment appears an inscription composed by Right Rev. Bishop McNeirny. It 
reads as follows : " Supplices Te rogamus, Domine, ut quibus Sacerdotate 
doniste meritum dones et praemium." Amen. The tran.slation is : " We 
humbly beseech Thee, Lord, that to those Thou hast given a priestly race 
Thou wilt also grant reward." Amen. 



39 




ENRV LUEKE was horn in Brakcl, West])halia, Prussia, on 
I'ebriiarv ist. iSoS. In 1S57 he sailed for New Vork and spent six 
years at his business of eustom tailor. In ICS43 he removed to 
Albany and located on Liberty street in the same business. In 1848, at the 
time of the great fire, he lost almost everything, and again in the panic of 
1857, he had considerable trouble, but despite these disasters his splendid 
work brought him custom and he was able to recover his losses. In 1871 he 
retired from busine.ss at the age of 63, with a substantial competence. In 
October, 1887, i\Ir. and ]\Irs. Lueke held their golden wedding, and this year 
(1898) he celebrates his ninetieth birthday anniversary, but despite his four- 
score years and ten, he still reads the daily papers by gas light without the 
aid of glasses. He derives most i>f his enjoyment, however, from reading 
history. Mr. Lueke is actively identified with the Hoh- Cross Church, and 
was its treasurer for thirt\--four years. His exceptionally vigorous constitu- 
tion has always kept him hale and hearty and the marvel of his many friends, 
who naturally expected t(.) find evidences of physical weakness and advanced 
age. He is the only temaining sur\-ivor of the original Board of Trustees of 
St. Agnes' Cemetery. His interest, active labors and zeal in promoting the 
interests of the Cemeterv have endeared him to all who have the welfare 
and development of the beautiful " City of the Dead " at heart. He has 
been a faithful attendant at the meetings of the trustees, and his long expe- 
rience in connection with the Cemetery and his unerring judgment have 
been of incalculable service to their councils. 

40 





e^^'?- 



7 



,,::^«r/ie. 




RECEIVING VAULT. 



l^r:(J:IVIN(, \^\LILT 



J- 




X THE DRIVE, leading- np from the entrance gate, is the ma.ssive 
I receiving vanlt, which presents a very handsome and artistic 
appearance, the facade being artistically designed and finished. 
It is surmounted by a rough hewn cross, beneath which, cut in the solid 
stone, are the words "St. Agnes." Small crosses decorate each side of the 
entrance. Un June 4th, 1873, the proposed vault in the cemetery ground 
and the materials proper for its construction were considered, and the .specifi- 
cations furnished by the architect, Chas. C. Nichols. 



45 




• )HX MULLON was l)orn in Tullamore, Kings County. Ireland, in 
1816, and died in Albany at the age of 69. He came to this citv 
in 1S40. and soon after taking np his residence he engaged in a 
work of no little importance. This was the contract work of excavating and 
building slips in the lumber district. Here he remained three years, and bv 
his thorough business knowledge and enterprise, succeeded so well that a 
little later he entered the business of lumber shipping with his s()n-in-law. 
James ]\Iorris. After this, in iSjJ. Mr. AluUon became associated with the 
firm with which his name has l)cen linked for so many years. He was made 
superintendent of the Albany Ice Company, in which corporation he was 
also the largest stockholder, and two years later he purcha.sed the entire 
plant. His name was alwa\'s the synonvm of energy and business integrity, 
and through his unremitting activity he became one of Albany's most reputa- 
ble and successful merchants. But ]\Ir. Mullon was more than a business 
man. He was also a devout and earnest Catht)lic, being one of the original 
trustees of St. Joseph's chuixh. When that church was built, in the year 
1858, there was not one of its members who took a deeper interest or watched 
its growth with keener pleasure than he, and from that time on until the day 
of his death, it had no warmer sympathizer or more generous benefactor. In 
1S84, he was elected a member of the Common Council as alderman, and 
during his term of service, he was distinguished by his sound business sense, 
and adherence to the interests and needs of the people. Perhaps there is 
nothing in which Mr. Mullen took a more active interest than his connection 
with St. Agnes' Cemetery. When the association was first formed to build 
the beautiful burial place of our city, he was one of the trustees and remained 
the chairman of the executive committee until .shortly before his death. His 
hearty co-operation in all the improvements, his valuable suggestions and 
enterprise made him one of its best workers and devoted trustees, and it 
seems fitting that his last resting place .should be one of the most beautiful 

in the Cemetery he loved so well. 

46 





/f >*? f^cCu cro 



Ci/l. 





QEDOS 




fifsiwsnciiti!:*^* .i?.<>3:iy[j«__:. . wmm 



RICHARD A. GORDON. 



mciiAk>D ;\. (,oi?D()\' 




X A C().MMAXDIN(t site, with a picturesque background, 
stands the noble sarcophagus, erected by Richard A. Gordon. It 
is the hist resting place of many members of his family. The 
carving is very artistic and the proportions of the structure noble and sym- 
metrical. On the top of the monument rests a beautifully carved cro.ss, 
typifying the laying down of the cross of life for the palm of eternity. Here 
is also the last dwelling ])lace of the first superintendent of the Cemetery. 
Every detail of the work shows careful finish, and the lettering on the sides 
may be read with ease at some distance away. The monument was erected 
to perpetuate the memory of the first superintendent, who devoted so much 
time and care to the first transformation of St. Agnes' Cemetery into the 
beautiful spot it now is. It faces the rising sun. 

Mr. Richard A. Gordon, who erected the monument, was born in Albany, 
July 15. 1846. His primary education was obtained in the private schools of 
this city, and he afterwards graduated with high honor from the Christian 
Brothers' Academy. After leaving here, he accepted a position as book- 
keeper with |. (). Towner & Co.. which position he held about ten years. He 
then entered the employment of the Ouinn & Nolan Ale Brewing Co., and 
has remained with that firm ever since in a most responsible and confidential 
position and is now .secretary of the company. His business skill, sterling 
integrity and ripe experience, have given him an enviable reputation in the 
business circles of this city. Ever keenly alive to the interests of the firm 
with which he is connected, he has proved invaluable to them in their 
extensive btisiness operations. Mr. Gordon was married May 19, 1870, to 
Sarah McLaughlin, of Albany, who died May ig, 1893. His second wife was 
>Sarah V. Meegan, of Albany. They were married February 12. 1896. 




OHN BERNARD GORDON, first superintendent of St. Agnes' 
Cemetery, was burn in the pari.sh of Clougher, County Tyrone, 
Ireland, in iSi i. He came to America at the age of 16, and after 
spending about two years in Canada, he proceeded to Albany, which he 
made his permanent home. His first occupation was in the .service of the 
New York Central Railroad Company, where his industry and skill made 
him a valuable agent. He forsook the railroad business after a time and 
went into the oil refining trade, in which the greater part of his life was 
spent. He was married in 1832 to Catharine Droogan, of Albany, who died 
six years later. His second wife was Catherine Dunn, of Albany. They 
were blessed with a large family of children, four of whom are now living, 
Susan C. Gordon, now Madame Gordon, of the Sacred Heart, New York city, 
Mary Gordon, now Mrs. John G. Donnelly, of Paterson, New Jersey, whose 
husband is superintendent of the Paterson Alms House, Charles P. Gordon, 
druggist, of Albany, and Richard A. Gordon, are the surviving children. 
Mrs. Gordon died in 1886. Mr. Gordon served as first superintendent of 
vSt. Agnes' Cemetery for a period of ten years and until his death, which 
occurred on July 9, 1878. When he first undertook the duties of his position 
the magnitude of the task was calculated to daunt even the most sanguine 
nature. To convert the bleak hillside into a scene of artistic beauty, sym- 
metrical arrangement and artistic design was a work that required skill, pro- 
found judgment and unremitting industry. Gradually the new Cemetery 
began to develop itself and, although not carried out in its present magnifi- 
cent proportions which was a labor of time, it attracted attention and favor- 
able comment from the many visitors who went thither in the spring and 
summer months to visit their dead. Both superintendent and Board of Trus- 
tees were confronted at every step with perplexing problems and dissension 
of opinions were natural, in what might be called a comparatively untried 
field of action, but zeal and industry triumphed over all obstacles, and vSt. 
Agnes' Cemetery constantly developed until it has acquired its present beau- 
tiful proportions. 





c^. ca 







McHUGH-WOODS, 



AAcHUGH AND WOODS 




OR SIMPLICITY OF DESIGN, there is not a monument in the 
Cemetery which attracts the attention more forcibly than the 
huge, imposing sarcophagus, which marks the lot in which repose 
the remains of Michael McHugh, one of the active trustees of vSt. Agnes' 
Cemetery. Here also is buried his sister, Mrs. Mary A. Woods, with whom 
he made his home after his return from Oswego. The monument is in view 
of the entrance just above the receiving vault, and the location is considered 
one of the most desirable in the Cemetery. Forming a background to this 
fine monument are a number of stately tributes to the departed, in granite 
and marble, stretching back from the main drive. One of the best features 
of this memorial is the perpetual care sign, which evinces the loving and 
thoughtful remembrance of those who have survived Michael McHugh and 
his sister. 

57 




tICHAEL Mi:HU(tH was born in Ireland and camu to this country 
when quite _\-oung; fi:ll of zeal and ambition he located in Albany 
^^ in the dry li^oods business. His sterling qualities and ability were 
soon recognized, and it was not long before his services were sought by one 
of the best houses in that line of trade in Xew Yt)rk city. The position 
being one of jjroininence Mr. McHugh accepted, and after a period of several 
years, in which he won the confidence and esteem of trade in general, he 
severed his connectiim and established himself in the same line of business 
at Albany. Here also his success in life continued. On the recommenda- 
tion of friends he went to the city of Oswego and established himself in the 
dry goods business there. Commencing on an humble and unpretendmg 
scale, he quickly attracted a large number of friends and customers, who 
were impressed by the skill with which he conducted his business, the unde- 
viating integrity and straightforward methods which characterized all his 
transactions, and his keen insight into the requirements of his business. 
Such rare qualities soon had the natural effect of lifting him higher and 
higher in trade circles. It was not long before he became the foremost dry 
goods merchant in Oswego and held one of the highest positions in the 
business community. Years of unremitting industry at length began to tell 
upon his health and system, and to the regret of the people of Osw-ego, he 
retired from business and returned to Albany for a rest after so many years 
of arduous labor. In his connection as trustee of St. Agnes' Cemetery, Mr. 
McHugh found another and congenial occupation for his busy mind. He 
took an active interest in the development of the beautiful "City of the 
Dead" and his suggestions and advice were always received with profound 
attention and respect. He was also a trustee of St. Mary's church. His 
death, which occurred on July 13, 1894, in this cit\', was regretted by a vast 
number of friends, and especially by the trustees of the Cemetery, who had 
learned to appreciate his zeal and energy at all times. 

58 




'^ C Ccc/l(rr / 





TMwi. 




ALTAR MONUMENT. 



ALTAI? MOMUMIiMT 




HIS M()XUMEXT is in the form of a balclachino, an altar tomb 
surmounted by a canopy. It is sittiated on an elevation in one of 
the most attractive sections of the Cemetery, from whence there 
is a beautiful view of the upper part of the Cemetery grounds, especially the 
new part, which has recently been so extensively developed. It always 
draws the attention of visitors because of its beauty of design and symmetri- 
cal proportions. The monument was erected by the city of Albany to per- 
petuate the memory of those whose remains were removed from the old 
vSt. Mary's Cemetery, which was on the site of the present Washington Park, 
to vSt. Agnes' Cemetery. It does honor both to the living who erected it, and 
to the dead who lie beneath. 



63 




i:XJAMIX DAKIX JUDSON was born May 28. 1853. in the 
villayc of West Sandlake, N. Y., where his father, the late Benja- 
min jiidson. M. T).. who was a near relative c)f the noted mission- 
ary to Burmah, India. Rev. Adoniram Jud.son, D. D.. practiced medicine for 
an unbroken period of over thirty vears. His early education was accjuired 
at the common schools of his native t(jwn and in the city of Trov. He 
graduated from the Troy Business College, and attended the Sandlake Col- 
legiate Institute and the Nassau Academy. Possessing a desire to follow 
the profession of civil engineer, he entered the office of the late Burton A. 
Thotnas. C. E., at West Sandlake. remaining under his tuition until Febru- 
arv. 1S72. when he became assistant superintendent of the Alban\- Rural 
Cemeterv, which position he occupied for a term of nearlv ten years, resign- 
ing to become manager for a large monumental works. He was appointed 
.superintendent and surveyor of vSt. Agnes' Cemetery in October, 1886. The 
improvements made upon the grounds of St. Agnes' can only be known and 
appreciated b\- those who remember its conditions and appearance eleven 
years ago. Now it ranks among the leading cemeteries of the countrw 
Mr. judson was one of the early members and is still connected with the 
Association of American Cemetery Superintendents. He has read papers 
and taken active part in the discus.sions at .several of its conventions held in 
different cities of the United States. He is also a prominent member of the 
order of Knights of Columbus. 'Sir. Judson has always taken a great interest 
in the cause of education, and after serving a five years' term as trustee 
under the commcm school system of the former village of West Troy, he was 
elected in 1885 as one of the first commissioners of the then newly estab- 
lished Union Free vSchool. In the year 1876, ^Ir. Judson was married to 
Miss Annabella Scarborough. Their family consists of two sous and one 
daughter. Mr. Judson has been greatly aided in his work by the progressive 
spirit of the members of the Board of Trustees of St. Agnes' Cemetery, 
together with the hearty co-operation of the lot-owners. 

64 




Rev. JAMES J. PEYTON 



Rev. JAA\E.S J. PtiVTON 




X A HIGH ELEVATION stands a massive sarcophagus, erected 
by Rev. Father Peyton, to perpetuate the memory of his uncle 
and aunt, Michael Delaney, of New ^'ork city, and his wife, Mary 
Conroy, sister of Bishop Conroy, and also a cousin, Margaret Conroy. It is a 
beautiful specimen of art, graceful and symmetrical in its proportion, not- 
withstanding its size. The carving is of the choicest design and the archi- 
tectural ornamentation is attractive and yet of severe simplicity. On the 
top of the mt)nument lies an exquisitely carved cross, typical of those who 
have gone before and laid down their cross of life to enter into eternal rest. 
It stands in solitary grandeur, and its commanding position renders it one of 
the most conspicuous objects in that part of the Cemetery. Beneath it the 
"perpetual care" sign shows that loving hands are keeping watch over the 
last resting place of the.se dear ones, and that time cannot entirely erase 
from the mind the thoughtful and willing affections due to the memory of 
the departed. 

69 




EV. JAMES J. PEYTOX was burn m OueensCo., Ireland. Decem- 
ber 15, 1847. He came to America at an early age and made this 
city his first home. A long and successful course of study under 
the Christian Brothers developed his rare mental gifts, and he graduated 
with high distinction from their academy in Albany, tie then became a 
student of St. Charles College, Md., and his unremitting study, perseverance 
and laudable ambition to attain a high standing among his fellow students, 
were awarded with success during the six years of hisstudv there. He 
pa.ssed from the Maryland College to St. Joseph's Seminary in Trov. Here 
his course of theological and philosophical studies was of an exceptionally 
.successful character. He was regarded as one of the brightest students that 
had entered the seminary for years. On June 10, 1876, he was invested with 
the sacred order of priesthood by Bishop McOuade, of Rochester. His first 
labors in the ministry was at .St. Mary"s church, Hudson, and afterwards 
vSt. Patrick's, West Troy. His next charge was at the church of St. Francis 
de vSales, West Albany, where he was beloved and esteemed by everv mem- 
ber of his congregation. The latest charge conferred upon him was his 
appointment as rector of the Church of the vSacred Heart, North Albany. 
He is a most eloquent preacher, and his sermons show signs of refinement, 
deep research and earnest devotion. He is regarded as a scholarly priest, 
who is unremitting in the hours he can spare from his duties, in punsuing 
the studies in which he gained .such distinction in college and seminarv. 
Father Peyton is a nephew of the late Bishop Conroy, and is the favorite of 
all over whom he has had spiritual charge. 

70 





^:ytei^. Yyyj^^rJ^'/: .^5^,/^. 




IIOMAS BEHAN was born in Ireland, Auijust 15, 1830. At an 
early age he eame to the United States and settled in Albany^ 
where he lieeame associated as bookkeeper with the firm of 
Reed <.K: Davis, wholesale liquor merchants. After a few years' connection 
with the above firm he engaged in the same business in his own behalf, 
which he followed successfully until the general depression of the business 
of the country as a consequence of the year 1873, when he retired. When 
St. Agnes' Cemetery was projected he was among the first to subscribe for 
the purchase money of the groiinds, and in 1873 was elected a member of the 
Board of Trustees. He was appointed its superintendent in November, 
1877, and resigned in October, 1886. He died at Albany, June 18, 1888. He 
was a man who gave liberally to worthy charities, was one of the first bene- 
factors of St. Alary 's church of Albany, and was a trustee for many years. 



73 




lOMAS :\IATTm()RE was Ix.rn in the year 1815, and died 
October 16, 18S7. He eame to Albany in 1S31, and was for many 
years, and until his death, treasurer of St. Joseph's chureh. His 
long- connection with that congregation was marked by his zeal and de\-otion 
to its interests, and his death was a great loss to St. Joseph's parish, particu- 
larly, as well as to the Catholics of Albany. During the fifty-six years of his 
residence in Albany he acquired for himself the respect and esteem of his 
fellow men as a good citizen, an honest merchant and a virtuous man. He 
was a generous contributor to the various Catliolic churches in Albany, and 
was also a generous benefactor to the orphans, and of the poor and destitute, 
being for years a zealous and active member of St. Vincent de Paul's Societv. 
He was also a kind benefactor to St. Peter's hospital. He was one of the 
original trustees of St. Agnes' Cemetery, and during his long term of .service 
as treasurer of the Board of Trustees, he watched over its interests with the 
greatest diligence and fidelity. Uuiet and unostentatious, and at the .same 
time earnest and sincere in his devotion to religion and in all the relations 
of life, he .secured and maintained to the end, the confidence and esteem of 
his fellow citizens of all denominations. St. Joseph's church, cspeciallv owes 
him a heavy debt of gratitude. He was among the largest contributors to 
its erection, and during the financial panic of 1857, he came to the aid of its 
pastor, being at one time endorsed upon paper for the new church, to the 
amount of $100,000. During the panic of 1873, he again came to his assist- 
ance and enabled him to weather the storm. 




^/.o 



o'yyiad 



XL a. ^ mo?^ t 




WILLIAM KENNY. 



WILLIAM V\\:m\ 




I )CATEI) on the hitfhest ground in St. Agnes', adjoining the 
Kiiral Cemetery, stands the Kenn\- monument. Rugged, massive, 
b(jld and impressive, it attraets the attention of all observers in 
this picturesque part of the grounds. It is of Barre granite, the design being 
a ru.stic boulder, ornamented upon the westerly .side by a scroll bearing in 
raised letters the family name, over which are carved in has relief oak 
leaves, with acorns and branches of the ivy vine. 

The easterly side is embellished by a plain Latin cro.ss wrought diago- 
nally uptm the face of the die. All the proportions of this noble granite 
memorial are in perfect harmony, and its fortunate location makes it all the 
more commanding and impressive. The design, too, in its uniqueness and 
total difference from those abiitit it, shows the good taste and artistic mind of 
the (.)\vner. It stands like one vf those grand old dolmens which may be 
found on the Norman and ISrittany coast, ever looking down on the turmoil 
of the waves beneath. The remains of the son of William Kenny rest 
beside his father and beneath the shadow of this noble memorial. 

79 




ILLIAM KEXXY was born in the city of Alban\' in 1838. and 
died December 29, 1895. He was a well known and popular citi- 
zen of this city, for his enterprise and thorough business adapta- 
bility. For many years he was engaged in the cattle business in West 
Albany. However, he afterwards engaged in the real estate business with 
Daniel Casey, the firm being known and widely respected as Kennv & Casey. 
Unfortunately some time later, owing to ill health, Mr. Kenny was obliged 
to dissolve the partnership, and he retired to private life in order to rectt- 
perate and build up his physical strength. His energetic mind, after a time, 
together with renewed health, made it possible for him to once more engage 
in the real estate business, which he conducted until the time of his death. 
His death was a great shock to his family and friends, resulting as it did, 
from injuries received in an accident while driving on the Boulevard. Every 
attention was given in the hope that life might be prolonged, but in vain. 
'Sir. Kenny was survived by wife, one daughter, Mrs. \Vm. McArdle, and 
two sons, one of whom died recently. ^Ir. Kenny was universally admired 
and esteemed for his qualities as a representative Albanian, who took a keen 
interest in all that promoted the welfare of the city of his birth, as well as 
for his still more admirable traits as a private citizen. The high esteem in 
which he was held by all who had relations with him in business made him 
one of the best known men in his line. Therefore, his sudden death came 
as a special blow and cruel bereavement to his immediate family and friends. 

So . 







J/ // // 





HIGGINS' FAMILY MONUMENT. 



lzl)\Vy\m) lll(,GIM5 



^ 




[IS ornate and beautifnl shaft surmounted by a cross, marks 
the lot owned by tlie family of the late Edward Higgins. The 
headstone at the right indicates the grave of the Rev. John C. 
Higgins and the one to the left that of his younger brother Rev. Edward J. 
Higgins. The location of the lot is especially desirable, situated as it is. on a 
high elevation near the centre of the cemetery, and the monument is one of 
the most attractive in that section of the grounds. The accompanying 
illustration is a faithful reproduction of the monttment itself and the 
surrounding headstones. Its harmony of lines and graceful simplicity 
displays the perfect taste as well as watchful care kept over it by the 
remaining members of the family. Edward Higgins was born in Ireland in 
the year 1823, and died in Albany October 29, 1886. He was a worthy 
gentleman in all respects, a good christian and a stanch citizen. His 
religious example and sterling qualities were rewarded by having two of 
his sons called to the sacred ministry of God's holy altar, their ashes now 
rest with his, in their last dwelling place. 

S5 




EV. John C. HIG(;INS was born in Albany, May 2, 1S5.S. He 
studied at ^Manhattan College, New York, and gave early promise 
Ji of signal ability. He completed his ecclesiastical studies at the 
Trov Seminary, and at the age of twenty-five was ordained priest, his 
■ordination occurring June 7, 1884, and his first charge was as assistant to 
Rev. Father Caraher, at vSt. Patrick's church, Utica. He next became 
a.ssistant to Rev. Father McGee, at Syracuse. He finally became rector of 
St. Patrick's church, at Clayville, Oneida county, which position he held 
until his death, which occurred on ]\Iay 14, 1894. Father Higgins was one 
of the most popular priests of the diocese, lovable in disposition, sym- 
pathetic, zealous, ever de\'oted to the work of (iod and possessing a 
personal magnetism which had a wonderful effect on those placed under his 
eharge. He was a perfect specimen of manhood, of magnificent physique 
and ill addition to his manv other talents possessed a fine tenor voice. In 
the pulpit he was a graceful orator, and his sermons will long be 
rememljcred bv his congregation. Zealous, tireless in ]iromoting the 
.spiritmd interests of his flock, he was a wclcnme visitor U> every house. 
In the pursuit of his duties in the parish, pneumonia seized him and carried 
him off after a brief illness. His remains are interred in vSt. Agnes' 



Cemetery. 



86 




!EV. EDWARD J. HIGGINS, brother of Rev. John C. Higgins, 
was born in Albany, January 30, 186S. He was ordained by 
Bishop McNeirny, on December 17, i<S92. Shortly after his 
ordination he was attacked by lung- complaint. His ill health dated back 
from his college days ; he was a close student, and his determination to fit 
himself thoroughly for his sacred calling, caused to over-tax a naturally deli- 
cate constitution. He went to New Mexico to endeavor to regain his health 
in the invigorating atmosphere of the table land. But he .sank rapidly and 
died on June 9, 1893, a little more than six months after he had attained the 
dignity of the priest. At his bedside when he died was his brother, who 
was to follow him the next year to the land where good deeds and duty well 
performed will have an ample reward. There was no more amiable, more 
lovable character than this young priest, taken away by the will of God to a 
happier life. His future in the priesthood was full of promi.se, and all his 
friends predicted that he would be a most successful worker in the vineyard. 
His venerable mother and family were plunged in affliction, little dreaming 
that another severe blow awaited them the following year when Rev. 
John C. Higgins was taken away from them. Both young priests rest in 
St. Agnes' Cemetery. 

91 




OHN JUDGE was born in Boyle Parish, County Roscommon, 
Ireland, in 1S31. He came to America with his parents while a 
youth and settled in this country. There were seven brothers, all 
of whom became successful business men in Albany. During- the time of the 
great gold excitement yiv. Judge, with so many others, went to California in 
search of wealth. Shortly after his return, some three years later, he 
married ISIiss Mary Mattimore. of this city. They had six children, five girls 
and one .son, .all (.)f whotn are now graduates from Catholic schools and 
seminaries. 'Sir. judge started in the grocery business which he successfully 
continued until his death. He was instrumental in building up and advancing 
the interests of the northern part of the city and accumulated by his industry 
and careful business tact a large property. To his fellow citizens Mr. Judge 
was the emb( )diment of all that was enterprising and energetic as regards the 
interests and welfare of the city ; he was always eager and willing to help by 
his advice and monev all plans fm- the improvement of this city that he 
loved so well. As a business nian, his integrity and honesty were unques- 
tioned, and he leaves behind him the record of a good citizen and an indus- 
trious man. In his religion, 'Sir. Judge was as warm hearted and zealous as 
in all else. For many vears he was closely connected with vSt. Joseph's 
church and aided materially in building up and maintaining its many char- 
itable enterprises. At his death his wife erected a beautiful monument to 
his memorv in St. Agnes' Cemetery, an illustration of which appears on an 
adjoining page. 

92 







/ r/f /f /ac/(/r 





CHi^. JUDGE 




JOHN JUDGE. 



JOHN JUIX^.E 




MPOSINd AND STRIKING, with one of the finest sites in the 
Cemetery, stands the John Judge monument. It is very near the 
entrance to the grounds, and is situated on a lofty elevation. A 
flight of stone steps composed of solid granite forms a magnificent approach 
to the monument itself. The location is particularly fine, resting on the 
hillside, facing the east, and from it can be seen the noble lines of the beau- 
tiful Hud.son and beyond that the stretches of hills in the distance. The 
style of the monument is known as a cottage sarcophagus, with a huge, 
massive base, in the front nf which the name John Judge stands out in bold 
relief, and above this is the inscription of his death and age. The top of the 
monument is a graceful design, richly ornamented, and makes a fitting finish 
for this beautiful work. It was erected by Mrs. Judge to perpetuate the 
memory of her husband and mark the site of his last resting place. The 
sim])licity of design, characteristic ornamentation of the upper part, and the 
solid grandeur of the entire monument makes it one of the most artistic in 
this part of the Cemetery., 



97 




iILLIAM 1). MORAXOE was born in Albany m the vear 1830. 
He received his educationat La Far"'eville, TelTerson c<iiinl\-, and in 
the Boys' Academy, at Albany, after which he attended St. fohn'.s 
College, at Fordham. His college education completed, he spent some time 
reading law in the office of Marcus T. Reynolds. For some years he was prom- 
inently connected with St. Mary's church, but soon became regularly attached 
to the congregation of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. He was 
president of the Young Men's A.s.sociation of Albany, and was the original 
secretary of St. Agnes' Cemetery and served up to the time of his death. 
He was unmarried and for years lived in the family residence, No. 187 Madi- 
son avenue. As a writer he was widely kn(_)wn and has written numerous 
poems, among them the "Bicentennial Ode," but his characteristic modesty 
would not allow any collection of his poems to be published. Yet many of 
them were copied and printed extensively in this country and in Europe. His 
poem called "The Two Destroyers," suggested by the cholera epidemic, 
was published all over the world and translated into at least ten differ- 
ent languages. He was secretary of the Board of Trustees of .St. A'incent's 
Orphan Asylum, and of the Board of Commissioners of Washington Park. 
He was a most genial, kindly and witty man, and a welcome visitor in the 
best social circles. He died at Albany, X. Y., November 4, 1895. 

98 




' ^/y^^^yy^ ^.'. . /A. vryy/^/r 




EDWARD J, MEEGAN. 



I:l)\\^\lll) .1. AMifK.AM 



^ 




tllS IS ONE of the most g^raceful architectural features of vSt. 
Agnes' Cemeterv. A tall, exquisitely proportioned obelisk, 
mounted on a beautifully carved base and admirably diyersified 
in all its features, ever preserying the utmost harmony, it attracts the 
admiration and attention of every passer-by. The location is particularly 
happy. Around the beautiful shaft towering toward heayen are grouped 
some yery attractive monuments of varied design and presenting charming 
contrasts. They serve to set off to still greater advantage, the picturesqtie 
lines of the graceful shaft, on the lower base of which is carved the name, 
Meegan. The name is also carved on the stone steps leading up to the 
monument. Edward J. Meegan, who erected the monument, was born in 
Albany, September 28, 1846. His parents were natives of Ireland, coming 
to this country in 1824. and first settling in Boston. About 1826 they 
removed to Albany, where they died. Mr. Meegan early evinced a strong- 
love of learning, being a close student at St. Joseph's parish school. Erom 
the first, he was determined to become a lawyer, and when only thirteen 
years of age, he registered as a student of law in the office of Edwards & 
vSturtevant. He remained with them nearly seven years, and also pursued 
his legal studies under Lsaac Edwards, who was afterwards president of the 
Albany Law School. Upon attaining his majority, in 1867, he was admitted 
to the bar. and opened an office in Albany. In 1869 he was elected corpora- 
tion counsel, in which position he cc.mtinued for five years. He has won a 
wide reputation as an able ci\-il and criminal lawyer. His law librar\- is one 
of the largest, if not the largest, in the State. 

103 




IIARLES T. (;. FLAHERTY. The admirable work done by 
Superintendent Jtidson in extending; improving and beautifying 
this "City of the Dead"' has been carried out all the more expedi- 
tiottsly and faithfully by his good fortune in having an ideal assistant, whose 
interest in the cemetery is fully equal to that of Mr. judson himself. Young, 
active and untiring. Air. Flaherty is ever absorbed in his work and eager 
to carry out the plans and suggestions of the superintendent. He is but 
twenty-eight years old, his father being a war veteran. After he completed 
his studies at St. Joseph's Academy, he became one of the first carriers when 
the special delivery system was established in Albany, being then under i6 
years of age. He resigned that position two years later to accept the post he 
now ,so efficiently fills. On .September i, 1887. he became assistant sitperin- 
tendent of vSt. Agnes' Cemetery. In speaking of him Superintendent Judson 
says : "His services to the trustees and lot-owners of the Cemeterv have 
been of the greatest value, and his associations with myself have been most 
harmonious throughout his long term. He is a man of strict integrity, and 
his ability has fully equipped him for the duties of his varied work. Faith- 
ful in all things was claimed for him by Rt. Rev. Bishop Burke, who always 
appreciates those who prove true to the trusts he has been instrumental in 
placing in their care." He is quick and alert, intelligent and iudicious, and an 
invalitable aid to Mr. Judson. Mr. F'laherty is a member of Albany Council, 
No. 173, Knights of Columbus, one of the trustees of St. Joseph's church, 
former prefect of St. Jo.seph's Young Men's Sodality, and a member of 
the Catholic Union of the city of Albany. 

104 




(Sm;iA^ o2 ^ &^aJji 





THACHER MONUMENT. 




THACHliI^ iNO\'UNI:MT 



HIS SPLENDID CREATION IN MARBLE which cn.wns the 
Thacher lot is closely identified with the memory of a beloved 
child, the first tenant of the hallowed ground. The oft-expressed 
purpose of erecting a monument just as often failed of execution because of 
the difficulty of making the proper selection. In the early autumn of 1894 
Gabrielle, an idolized grandchild died and was buried here, and then the 
suggestion was made that the proposed monument represent the Archangel 
Gabriel. The present figure is the dream of that great sculptor, Carl Conrad, 
of Hartford. C.jnn. Its prop.^rtions are grandly heroic. The entire height 
of base and figure is twelve feet-base 6 feet 3 inches, and figure, in sitthig 
posture, 5 feet 9 inches. The originality of the conception and dignity t^f 
pose and expression are matchless. The figure from every pore breathes its 
purpose. It is perfect pantomime in stone. Speechless though it is, yet the 
artistic genius that created it made it articulate with the accents of 'its mis- 
sion. The sculptor has chosen the morning of the Resurrection as the back- 
ground of his Archangel and portrayed him as ready to do the work we 
associate with his name, that of summoning the dead to Judgment. As he 
is to receive the signal from above, the head is thrown with exquisite grace 
slightly back, that he may readily catch its first accents, and the expression of 
the face is majestic, beautiful and intensely expectant. With the right hand 
he firmly grasps the trumpet for ready u.se as may be gleaned ivom the 
relative position of hand and trumpet, and in the poise of the left hand we 
catch superb harmony with the facial expression. It, too, whispers the 
hush that awaits a dread command which demands immediate execution. 
The Archangel is sitting with robe drawn from the bared feet that he 
may not be impeded in rising, and the right foot and knee are drawn slightly 
back to give him a fulcrum when rising. The drapery is full without crowd- 
ing the figure, and every fold is from nature. In proportion, suggestion, 
majesty, this statue takes its place with the noblest and greatest ideals in 
stone. It is noble in every sense— reaching the highest'^ most inspiring 
effect without apparent effort. 



109 




OHX C()XXICK was born in the town of Bolinaspect, parish of 
Ferns, in the county of Wexford, Ireland, in the year 1811. 
When only seventeen he came to this country and landed in 
Quebec in 1829, and soon after came to Alljany. He found employment at 
the carpenter's trade, and having spent the required number of years in per- 
fecting himself in all its details he engaged in business for himself and 
built many fine residences in Albany, performing his work with scrupulous 
exactness and fidelity. When he came to this city there was but one little 
Catholic church, St. Mary's, and Mr. Connick from the first became a con- 
stant and devout attendant. In the year 1833, he married ]vliss Jane Fryer, 
and although they had no children born to them, they lived happily in each 
other's society. Mr. Connick was a lumber inspector for many years in the 
lumber district, where he wmi hosts of friends among the leading merchants 
of those days, and among wliom his word was as good as his bond. For 
eighteen years he was in the employ of the New York and Hudson River 
Railroad Company, where he was greatly respected by all doing business 
with him, but on account of the feebleness of advancing age he was obliged 
to resign in order to spend the remaining years of his life in quiet rest. 
For many years Mr. Connick was connected with the Cathedral of the Immac- 
ulate Conception, having been the first person appointed on the original 
committee in 1852 by Bishop McClosky, and from that time until his death 
he was a most faithful and earnest worker in the caiise of religion and in 
everything connected with the Cathedral, in which he felt .so commendable 
a pride. Islr. Connick never held any public position, yet he was always a 
good and earnest citizen, a lover of law and order, and above all a most 
unassuming and practical Catholic. He died April 28, 1888, at the advanced, 
age of /J years. 




/ r /f ?i \0 o^/ jur/r. 




HOMAS D. COLEMAN was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, 
November ii, 1838. He came to this country with his parents 
in 1849, "^^'ho settled in Albany where they remained until their 
death. In i860, ^Nlr. Coleman married Miss Catherine Doren, of Albany. 
They had two children, a son and daughter, the latter dving at the age of 
two years. Shortly after this, in 1867, Mrs. Coleman died. The son, Michael 
T. Coleman, is now carrying on a successful and enterprising business as 
brewer in New York city. Mr. Coleman's iirst business venture was in the 
grocery business, in which he established himself in i860. After tive years 
however, he sought a larger field for his enterprise and business qualities, 
and bought out the malting establishment of Hiram Perrv. In 1870, he sold 
the Perry malt house and obtained control of the business of Michael All, 
and operated its combined industry of brewing and malting ale. In 1872 
the firm of Coleman Bros, rebuilt the e.stablishment, which, after completion, 
was one of the finest plants in the State. Mr. Coleman successfullv followed 
this enterprise until 1895. His name has always been connected with the 
representative industries and business interests of the city. He has also 
been at all times closely allied to the political movements of Albany. He 
served one term as Assemblyman, and has also held the office of Fire Com- 
missioner for ten }-ears, which position he resigned to accept the office of 
Park Commissioner. He still holds a place on the Board of Park Commis- 
sioners, and is one of our most energetic citizens in all that regards the 
advancement t^f the city. Mr. Coleman's connection with the beautiful 
Cemetery of St. Agnes is of long standing. He has been one of the trustees 
for over ten years, having been elected in 1886. 

113 




ETER J. FLIXX has been a life-long resident of this city. His 
father. Daniel Flinn. came to Albany in 1823. In 1837 he was 
married to Marv T. Dunn, bv Rev. Charles vSmith. in St. Mary's, 
the only Catholic church then in the citv. The subject of our sketch was 
born in 1841 in the same ward in which he now resides. He succeeded his 
father in the flour and grain business, which has always been associated with 
their name. In 1864 he married Mary J. Smith, only child of Bernard Smith, 
one of the pioneer Catholics of Albany, ever noted for his liberality to all 
charitable institutions. Mr. Flinn's public s])irit and keen interest in all 
that relates to the .success and welfare of his native city, has been recognized; 
and his fellow citizens have tendered him again and again the nominations 
for political offices, but he invariably declined. He was, however, nominated 
and elected, the onlv candidate on an Independent ticket, for vSchool Com- 
missioner, running far ahead of his ticket. The regular Democratic party 
next elected him for the same office for six .succes.sive terms ; and he had the 
distinction of being the first Democratic president of the Board of Public 
Instruction. During his long term as Commissioner, Mr. Flinn was noted 
for his hearty interest and practical help in all educational matters, and 
whatever pertained to the success of our schools. He has always been a 
strong temperance advocate and was foremost in organizing the Temperance 
Society of St. Joseph's church, being its first president, and afterwards 
re-elected six times. This was the largest Parochial temperance society in 
the United States. Mr. Flinn has always been considered one of the leading 
members of St. Jo.seph's church, and succeeded his father as a member of 
the church committee ; of this committee he has been secretary for thirty- 
two years. He was the finst elected Prefect of St. Jo,seph's Young Men's 
Sodality. This vSodality has the honor of being the oldest in the city. Per- 
haps Mv. Flinn is best known in his connection with the Catholic Union for 
his splendid work as an organizer. He was its first president, and was 
re-elected five times. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of St. Agnes' 
Cemetery ; is its secretary, having succeeded the late William D. Morange 
in that office. Mr. Flinn is untiring, earnest and energetic, and is considered 
a valued member of the board. 



lU 




«/?-/< ^ f_x fr/t/t. 




JAMES KERIN. 



I/\A\I:5 \inm 




!IR tall. ;_;raccfnl shaft shown in our illustration was erected to 
perpetuate the memory of James Kerin and those of his family 
who have gone to their last rest. The monument is very 
imposing and symmetrical in appearance, and stands in one of the most 
beautiful parts of St. Agnes' Cemetery. It cannot fail to attract the atten- 
tion of visitors to its individual beauty and gracefulness, although surrounded 
by so much that is beautiful. The name "Kerin" stands out in bold relief 
on the side facing the west, and above it are the inscriptions to Henry F. 
Kerin, who died July i8, 1892, at the age of 23 years ; and also, one to James 
H. Kerin, who died January 9, 1893, aged 35 years. Upon the east side 
appears the inscription : "James Kerin, born June 10, 1830; died June 26, 
1881," also "Mamie F. Kerin, died December 12, 1887, aged 14 years." Upon 
the south side is the inscription to Elizabeth Shenick, mother of Mrs. J. 
Kerin, and John, Freddy, Lizzie, Maggie and Joseph, children of James and 
Ann Kerin. The north side of the monument is thus inscribed : "Murtha 
Kerin and his wife, Margaret — their sons, John and William; may their 
souls rest in peace." The perpettual care sign upon the lot shows that this 
last resting place is always tended with careful hands ami lo\-ing hearts. 

119 




AMES KERIN, was known for many years in Albany and Troy 
as a respected and valued citizen, whose useful and upright life 
was a lesson to all. He possessed business qualifications of the 
highest order, and established in Troy a commercial house which is still 
carried on under his name. The influence of his life still lives, althnugh 
he has passed to the higher life. ]\Ir. Kcrin was born in Albany, June lo, 
1830, and died June 26, 1S81, the greater part of his life having been spent 
in Albany and Troy. Michael Kerin. one of his brothers, was a soldier in 
the late war, and died in Andersonvil!e j^rison. Another brother, John, was 
connected for many years with the Albanv papers, and was considered one 
of Albany's brightest men. James Kerin, with two of his brothers, John 
and William, were engaged in the printing lousiness in Albany until the 
close of the war, when he removed to Troy to become foreman for his 
brother-in-law, Mr. Doyle, who was in the stove and iron moulding business. 
Mr. Kerin finally opened on his own account a wholesale and retail grocery 
store on Congress street, which business he continued successfullv up to the 
time of his death. He was married January- 21, 1854, to ]\Iiss Ann Shenick, 
by The Right Rev. Bishop Conroy, and they had nine children, only one of 
whom is living, William E.. who continites the business started bv his 
father. One son, James H., died at the age of 35 years, and is buried in 
St. Agnes' Cemetery. Another son, Henrv F., was of the class of '9^ in the 
Ren.sselaer Polytechnic Institute, and had been a student there for two 
years, when he went to Aiken, South Carolina, contracted a di.sease, and 
died .soon after returning home. Mary Francis, the pride of the household, 
died at the age of fourteen, just as she was blossoming into beamiful young 
womanhood. They are now all lying in St. Agnes' Cemeterv, with their 
father and grand-parents. 





iZ'xne.d- 






yn^ 



=.v 




e 






, >'^-- 




JOHN C. HOELLINGER. 



,101 IN C. I lOrJJJNGI:!^ 




I'R ILLUvSTRATIOX presents a view ni the Hoellenger lot in 
St. Agnes' Cemetery, where is buried the wife of [ohn C. Hoel- 
linger. ^Irs. Hoellinger was a woman of rare intelligence and 
culture, and the monument that marks her grave was a loving tril)ute from 
her husband to the dear one who, for forty-five years, shared with liim life's 
joys and sorrows. She was Miss Catharine Artz, of Albany, and was married 
to Mr. Hoellinger, November ii, 1845. The monument is a Celtic cross of 
peculiar beauty and exquisite workmanship. ( )ne esjieciallv noticeable 
feature is the number of inscriptions and their finelv carved lettering. The 
inscription upon the east side reads: "John Crv.sostom Hoellinger, born at 
Deidesheim, Rhenish Bavaria, February 18, 1823," and "Catharine Artz, 
his wife, born at Tholey, Rhenish Prus.sia, August 15, 1828, died October 14, 
1890." The west side is especially inscribed to the memorv of Mrs. 
Hoellinger, thus : " In memory of Thy Dear Servant, Catharine, who 
through Thy mercy, ( ) Lord, is allowed to rest here in peace, permit us to 
.say as a memorial of her virtue : ' Blessed are they that hunger and thirst 
after justice, for they .shall be filled : bles.sed are the merciful, for they shall 
obtain mercy : ble.s.sed are the clean of heart, for they shall see Ood.' There- 
fore, O Lord, .she having been faithful to her trust in all things, grant her a 
share of those eternal joys that neither eye hath seen, nor ear heard, nor 
hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive, that she mav prai.se Thee, 
() Ciod, for ever, Amen." Upon the north side is carved the beautiful 
ver.ses from the .service of Good Friday, beginning: " ( ), faithful Cro.ss, (), 
noblest Tree, in all our woods there's none like Thee." John C. Hoellinger 
came to this country in 1836, arriving in Xcw York, August 25. He estab. 
lished him.self in business in Troy, where he soon became well known as a 
man of sterling Christian character and strict intet-ritv. 



125 




ICHAEL CLARKE was born in Ijailliborouj^h, County Ca\'an, 
Ireland, on St. ^lichael's I.)av, September 29, 1809. He left his 
native cuuntrv in 1833, with his voung wife, and came to America, 
making Albany his home. About the vear 1836 he located on the southwest 
corner of Pine and Lodge streets, establishing himself in the grocery busi- 
ness and remaining there until his death, which occurred on December 14, 
1865. He was a devout Catholic, a man nf generous impulses, alwa\'s giving 
liberally to the church, and never found wanting when charity was in ques- 
tion. Mrs. Clarke died in 1871. and the l)usiness was continued in the same 
location by the son. James D., until his death, on November 22, 1893. The 
old site was lately purchased by vSt. ALary's congregation for a school build- 
ing. Mr. Micliacl Clarke was vevy closeh^ connected with St. Mary's church, 
and his widespread charity and public spirit made him one of the most 
popular citizens of Albany. His only living child is Mrs. McGue, of 
Chicago. His son's widow, Mrs. James L). Clarke, has charge of the estate. 
Mr. Clarke's famous old place, at the corner of Pine and Lodge streets, was 
for a long time noted as a quiet resort for politicians. Lieutenant-Governor 
Alvord called it the "State Grocery." For thirty years it was a grocer)' and 
tea store, but there was always a small room for the political magnates of 
the day. Mr. Clarke served for several terms as supervisor of the old Fifth 
Ward. In his grocery, at times, might be found men like Martin \'an 
Buren, Azariah C. Flagg, William L. Marcy, \Villiam H. vSeward, Washington 
Hunt, vSilas \Vright — indeed, all the great men of the dav, statesmen, men 
of letters, editors, orators, scienti.sts and philo.sophers. In everv enterprise 
connected with the interest and advancement of Albany he was one of the 
foremost. It was this warm devotion to the welfare of his adopted home 
that made him so j)o])ular. His genial and kindlv face, his "good, grey 
head," his jjleasant ;md pleasing manner, and his man\- acts of charity, 
earned for him the respect and consideration of all. 



126 




fff r/err / (^ /rrr/r 




CEMETERY AVENUE 
(IROM Tkuv KCiADj. 



CliMirnil^N^ /WliNUI: 



(fkom troy roaij). 




'R feelin.i^-s instinctively declare that not amid the heartless din, 
the hurryino- bustle and selfish turmoil of a great city is the 
II befitting- place for our dead to repose, but more consonant to our 
sensibilities it is that they sleep in retired and quiet resorts, where in sum- 
mer's noontide air the branches may gently wave and the leaves sweetlv 
rustle in peaceful requiem above their rest. Nor this alone, but bereave- 
ment, too, should have a quiet place like this, awav from the confusion of 
the crowded streets and the unfeeling clamor of trade, where it may .shed 
its tears, lift its prayers, or sing its immortal hopes. ( )ur beautiful cemeterv 
is situated about three miles north of Albany and about half a mile back 
from the Troy road. The illustration on the preceding page shows the fine 
avenue leading- up from the Troy road to St. Agnes'. The branches of the 
magnificent elms that line either .side of the drive-way meet overhead, 
forming an arch-way of green, under which pa.ss our loved ones to their 
long rest, and we, in our .sorrow, try to listen to the voice of peace and hope 
that comes whispering to us through the rustling of the leaves. 

" Does the road wind up hill all the wav ? " 

" Yes, to the very end! " 
" Will the journey take the whole long day ? " 

" From morn to night, my friend! " 

" But is there for the night a resting pUice?" 

■• A roof for all when the dark hours begin! " 
■' May not the darkness hide it from my face?" 

" You cannot miss that inn! " 

"Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?" 

" Those who have gone before! " 
" 'J'hen, must I knock or call when just in sight?" 

" They will not keep you standing at that door! " 

"Shall I lind comfort, travel-sore and weak?" 

" Of labor you shall find the sum ! " 
" Will there be beds for me and all who seek ? " 

" Yea — beds for all who coiiie! " 

— C/iris/iiia Rossf///. 




AM1':S I). CLARKI-: was lidrn in Albany, Aui^ust 4, iS4('). His 

father was Michael Clarke, a man who was highly respected and 

endeared to his associates for his probitv (if character. For many 

years the father was closely eimnected with St. Mary's church, and widely 

known as a generons contributor and hearty sympathizer in all projects for 

its advancement. He also was, fnr vears, proprietor of the " ( )ld .State 

(rrocery." on Pine and Lodge streets. The son, James I). Clarke, received 

his earlv education at Mr Malonev's school, which was held in the basement 

of St. Marv's church. Later, he attended Hol\' Cross College, at Worcester, 

Mass,, where he remained for three years. He was called home by his 

father's last illness, and upon his death took charge of his business, 

which was continued successfully, with the same enterprise and industr\- 

that characterized it before. Mr. Clarke was an honorary member of the 

Alban\- ISurgesses Corps, a militarv organization which holds a prominent 

place in the history of this city. He was also a well known and esteemed 

meml)er of the Dongan Club. He was married to Adeline \'. Bernier, of 

Albany, on March 3, 187S, at St. |osej)h's church, and had one son, James 

I). Mr. Clarke died on November 22, 1S93, and was sur\-ive(l bv his st)n, 

widow and a sister, ]\lrs, M. S. Mc(Tue. of Chicago. His death was deeply 

regretted by his host of friends, who remembered him as an upright and 

faithful man. 

" The best will come in the great ' to be,' 
It is ours to serve and wait ; 
And the wonderful future we soon shall see, 
For Death is but the gate." 




"<^}n,ed- 



S^'. ^e/,„-/-^ 




THE JOHN McARDLE LOT. 




TNI: JOHN M(;\PDLI: LOT 



NE of the most attractive and liy far the larj^est lot in St. x\gnes' 
Cemetery is that of the late well-known and popular Colonel John 
McArdle. The lot extends north and south. The north third 
Mr. McArdle devoted to the Si.sters of Charity and the .south third to the 
orphans. His own j^'rave is in the middle plot, surrounded bv the remains of 
those whom he so generously loved and remembered. About the walk that 
skirts the whole lot are fourteen shrines, each of which represents one of the 
fourteen Stations of the Cross. These shrines are beautifully executed works 
of art, recounting" in their different phases that sad journey to Calvary's 
heights. At the north and south entrances are placed magnificent and noble 
symbolic representations of the four apostles, guarding the tomb of this hon- 
ored dead. At the middle entrance there stands fineh- wrought bronze figures 
of the Virgin and of John the Baptist. The whole effect is a work of art, 
unique in its way, but beautiful and impressive. It was typical of Mr. 
McArdle's generosity of character in offering a last resting place to the sisters 
and orphans. It is a beautiful idea that these friendless little ones, and those 
who have taken their lives in their charge, should rest together in this noble 
burial place, and that their names and lives should be cherished together 
with that of their generous benefactor and friend. All who visit the 
cemetery unconsciously stay their steps at this spot, to examine the shrines 
and admire the taste and beauty of decoration of the plot as a whole. 

137 




OHX McARDLE was hurn May i. 1814, in Albany, and died Sep- 
tember 10, 1874. His father was Joseph IMeArdle, of Dundale, 
County Lonth, Irehmd. He came to this country and settled in 
Albany in the early part of the present century. He was one of the most 
prominent of the members of St. Mary's church, and well known and admired 
for his active support and strong interest in his religion. The father was 
also a prominent and successful lousiness man. The old house on the corner 
of Pine and Chapel streets, which he owned, still holds a remembrance of him 
in the shape of a tablet of marble hxed in the wall. It is a well executed 
inscription, carved with his name, and a design consisting of a harp, an 
eagle and shamrock, symbolic of the two nations of his birth and of his 
home. The son, ]ohn McArdle, was no less prominent or enterprising than 
the father. He was alwavs fond of milit.arv life, and at an earlv age 
developed an interest in all things pertaining to it. He was made Lieut.- 
Colonel of the 25th Regiment, .State militia, and was also Captain, tinder 
Walker, in his Xiearaguan expedition. He fitted out a ship and joined the fili- 
bustering expedition to Nicaragua during the revolution there. The Bur- 
gesses Corps also holds his name in memory as one of their genial staff ofh- 
eers. In this city, Mr. McArdle was well known as a famous restaurant 
keeper, and his different places were the best patronized and esteemed. He 
was enabled, because of his thorough business instinct and great industry, to 
amass a fortune, which he at all times used for the most worthv and charit- 
able purposes. At his death he bequeathed to vSt. \'incent's ( )rphan Asylum 
about §20,000, a sum of money sufficient to erect a large annex to the asylum 
building. He was a man of great firmness of character, honorable in 
all his dealings, a patriotic citizen and a noble husband. For his charity, 
his touching gift to the asylum and the orphans is sufficient testinionv, 
and reveals the kindness of heart in a man whom those little ones must 
alwa\-s remember. 

138 




-f//H ■ MC' '^ /rr//r. 



^ 




JOHN H. FARRELL. 



JOHN II. r/\l?m:LL 




X one of the most seeUided and beautiful parts (.)f St. Aj^r.es 
Cemetery is the lot owned by John H. Farrell. Mr. FarreH's 
father and mother are buried here, and also, Thomas Connolly a 
reporter who died while in Mr. FarreH's employ. The "Perpetual Care" sig-n 
upon the plat is an indication of the loving- thought given to tho.se who have 
pa.ssed away, that their last resting plaee may always reeeive proper care 
and attention. Ma.ssive granite steps lead up from the driveway. The 
plat is situated on an elevation overlooking the valley of the Hud.son, and 
here, while one's eyes rest on so mneh that is lovelv in nature, the sweet 
quiet of the plaee eharms our thoughts away from the fading beauties of 
this life to that life l)eyond the grave that is everlasting and beautiful 
beyond the power of man to conceive, and 

" We feel we only sleep to rise 

In sunnier lands, 'mid fairer skies, 
To bind again our broken ties 

In ever-living love." 



'43 




OlIX HENRY FARRELL.- Among the officers of St. Agnes' 
Cemeter}- no one has been more earnest, devoted, painstaking 
and persevering in promoting the development of that pictu- 
resque spcjt than its present treasurer, John Henry FarrelL He was born 
on the banks of the Hudson river about four miles below Albany, Septem- 
ber I, 1S39. Wiien tliirteen vears of age he entered the office of Hon. 
Hugh J. Hastings, then editor of the Albany Knickirbocker. After remain- 
ing with him aliout two years he became connected with The Country 
Gentleman, tlie well-known agricultural paper. He was associated with 
that paper imtil the close of 1869. During the most exciting period of 
the war, in 1863. Mr. Farrell was appointed to edit the telegraphic 
dispatches for the morning and evening papers of Albanv. This he 
continued to do, in addition to his regular duties, until January i, 1870, 
when he succeeded the Hon. Daniel Shaw as city editor of The Argus. In the 
following year he retired from The Argus to devote his whole time to the 
Sunday Press. Pie and his partners, Messrs. Rooker and MacFarlane, started 
a new paper, called the Daily Press, on February 26, 1877, the enterprise 
succeeding beyond their most .sanguine expectations. On August 1 1, follow- 
ing, Mr. Farrell purchased the Knickerbocker and consolidated it with the 
Press. The paper, being entirely independent of political aid, soon acquired 
the reputation of being one of the best newspapers in the State. In IMarch, 
1 891, Mr. Farrell sold out his one-half interest in the Press and Knickerbocker 
and entered the field of afternoon journalism. He purchased the Evening 
Union, Evening Times, and Albany Sun. con,solidating them into his present 
splendid afternoon paper. The Times-Union, which has been a phenomenal 
success from the day it started. Mr. Farrell is a director of the Albany City 
National Bank, and of the Commerce Insurance Companv. is vice-president 
of the Home Savings Bank, and of the West End Loan and Building Asso- 
ciation, charter member of the Fort Orange Club, trustee of the Catholic 
Orphan Asylums, the Hospital for Incurables, and other charitable institu- 
tions. St. John's College, Fordham, conferred upon him the degree of 
A. M., in 1891. Air. Farrell married, in June, 1869, Miss Mary ^'. (iibljons, 
of Fordham, New York City. They have been blessed with seven children, 
three boys and four girls. 

144 




STUART-DELEHANTY. 




.STU/\I^T-DI:Ll:H/\MTV 



MONUMENT in the oricjinal grounds of the Cemetery, over- 
looking- the drive coming up from the entrance, and attracting 
attention by reason of its imposing dimensions, is that of the 
Stuart-Delehanty families. It is a massive sarcophagus, highly polished 
and very simple in its design. It is composed of the best quality of Barre 
granite, in effect uniting the essential features of grandeur and durability, 
together with harmonious proportions. The base is wrought upon the sides 
in "rock-face," relieved b\' hammered margins. Upon it rests the plinth 
and die, all polished, with the family name cut within a panel in the front 
in deeply raised letters, making a beautiful contrast. The names Stuart 
and Delehanty are clo,sely connected with the history of St. Agnes' Ceme- 
tery from its very beginning, as some member of one or both families has 
been upon the Board of Trustees since the organization of that body. John 
.Stuart was one of the original officers, and served on the board from 1867 
until 1880. Thomas A. Stuart, his .son, and a nephew of Mr. Delehanty, is 
a trustee and one of the most active members of the board. Mr. Delehanty 
was made a tru.stee in i88i, and .still holds the position, having served con- 
tinuously for a term of seventeen years. The families are among the most 
progressive of St. Agnes' promoters. 

J49 




ox. MICHAEL DELEHAXTY.— It is always interesting and 
profitable to follow the footsteps of a truly representative busi- 
ness man through the changing scenes of a life of activity ; 
such a man is the Hon. Michael Delehanty, whom Albanians are now 
proud to recognize as one of their leading and most substantial citizens. 
Mr. Delehanty was born on the 12th of July, 1820, in the town of Burr, 
Kings Cotmty. Ireland. When only five years old he was brought to 
this country by his parents; they landed here in 1825. and settled in 
Albany. His father was Daniel Delehanty, and his mother's maiden 
name was Margaret Cleary. Michael attended a private school in this 
city, and afterwards finished his education in the Albany Boys' Academy, 
under the direction of Dr. Peter Bullions, Prof. Tucker, Dr. Beck, and 
George W. Carpenter. He left the academy at the age of sixteen, and 
then learned the trade of a tin and coppersmith and plumber, and in 1840 
opened a store and plumbing establishment at No. i Green street, and later 
at the corner of (jreen and Beaver streets, and it is an interesting fact, that 
for more than half a century he has conducted such business in the city of 
his adoption, in connection with his filling successfully and honorablv 
.several municipal offices. On account of his rare executive abilitv. his 
excellent judgment and his great worth, Mr. Delehantv's advice and council 
have been much sought after, both in politics and in business affairs. In 
January, 1892, he was appointed, by (iov. Flower, Superintendent of Public 
Buildings, as the successor of Hon. E. K. Burnham. His thorough knowl- 
edge and sanitary science rendered him a most competent and desirable 
official in a very particular and important department of the State service. 
In 1841, ^Ir. Delehanty married Miss Mary Ouinn, of All)anv. The\- have 
been blessed with eleven children. Daniel, his oldest son, is now a Lieu- 
tenant Commander in the United States Xavy. His daughter, Julia, is the 
wife of L^nited States Senator Edward Murphy, Jr.. of Troy, who is widely 
known as a most influential LJemocratic leader. Mr. Delehanty posses.ses 
agreeable qualities, both of a social and business nature, with warm, kindly 
feelings and generous impulse, which renders him popular with all clas.ses 
of Albanians. He has been an officer of St. Agnes' Cemetery A.ssociation 
since 1881. In 1892, Mr. Delehanty retired from active business and was 
succeeded by his son, John .S. Delehanty. 

150 




' f(f(//frr/ ^^ f'/f Af^////. 




DAGOBERT ZEISER. 



DAGOI^EPT Zr:LS|:l^ 




TA LL, j^raccful cnhimn, suniKiuiUcd In' a cross, marks the plat 
in St. Agnes' Cemetery owned bv Han'ohert Zeiser. It is a eom- 
manding' site, as the \-ie\v takes in Troy, the great iron works, a 
long stretch of the noble Hudson, and in general a magnificent picture of 
this portion of the Hudson vallew The lofty proportions of the Zeiser 
monument are conspicuous from nearly every part uf the Cemetery. Dago- 
bert Zeiser, who has had such a long and successful career as a merchant, 
was born in (xermany, December 13, 1841, and came to this country at the 
age of eighteen. He was the son of John Baptist Zeiser and Caroline 
Miller. \Vhen he arrived in Troy he found himself jienniless, and so hired 
out as a farm hand, working for two vears. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted 
in Company H, 169th Regiment, X. Y. \'., serving for two years and five 
months, l^eing honorably discharged frcmi the service on January 5, 
1865. He then returned to Troy after a most creditable war record, giving 
the very best evidence possible <)f his de\'otion to his adopted country. He 
at once engaged in the meat business, with which he has been identified 
ever since, and in which he has occupied a commanding ptisition. Ever 
devoted to his business, displaying in all transactions rare skill, matured 
experience and unblemished integrity. 'Sir. Zeiser has won the esteem and 
confidence of all brought into contact with him in the course of trade. He 
was married on January 21, 1865, immediately after his return from the war, 
to Miss Jo.sephine C. Reinhart. and has been blessed with fifteen children, 
all living except two. 




RYAN :MULDERRY was born in Wcstmcath county, Ireland, in 
1833. He came to this country in the year 1S54, locating in 
j^' Albany where he started in the baking- business, carrying- it 
on with great enterprise and success during all the years of his life. Mr. 
Mulderry married Miss Bridget E. Seery of Albany and six children were 
born to them, four of whom with the mother, are still living. The 
family have always been closely identified with the interests and advance- 
ment of vSt. Joseph's church, ^Ir. ]\Iulderry l)eing always a read\- and 
cheerful giver whenever the needs of the church required it — indeed he 
was always a promoter of charities and a generous benefactor to all 
institutions that were for the improvement and welfare of the city and 
its citizens. He interested himself, especially, in the promotion of the 
interests of St. Agnes' Cemetery, taking a personal pride in the 
beautifying of the grounds. The beautiful magnolia trees shown in our 
illustration of his lot were planted when very small, l)v his own hand 
and can be .said to have grown up with the Cemetery. They now help to 
adorn not only the Mulderry lot. but add their own peculiar beauty to the 
general appearance of the surroundings. Mr. Mulderry died in Albany 
November 24, 18S4, and now .sleeps beneath their shade, thus after a life 

well spent he 

"Sleeps the sleep that knows not breaking. 
Morn of toil, nor night of waking." 



156 




OA 



^c)?'yffH ^Otu/c/f/f^^^y. 




BRYAN MULDERRY. 



l^QVm m\LD\:\n^\ 



Jt 




ATURE, on whose bosom repose thousands of those who sleep in 

eternal rest, takes our dead in char_<;'e and makes these spots 

'■^^1 beautiful with her i^'reatest charms. The peaeefulness of effect, 

the harmony of arranj^'ement, the magnificent view of mountain and river 

that winds its way through shady wood and g'rassy banks, is assisted bv art in 

the beautifyin;4' of these places, and many handsome and costly monuments 

have been erected in memory of those who have laid down the burden of 

life. At the first bend in the road, leading- up to the vault, after enterini^' 

St. Agnes' Cemetery, one approaches the 2vlulderrv monument. It consists 

of a gracefid shaft beneatli which rests the remains of Bryan ^lulderrv. 

The family name appears on the base t>f the monument, facing the road, as 

well as on the stone steps leading up from the drive. On each side of the 

lot stand urns filled with vines and the choicest of plants, and on either side 

of the steps are beautiful magnolia trees, as shown in our illustration on a 

preceding page. The.se evidences of humane care and love, together with 

■the sculptor's art, have made this one of the most attractive spots in the 

Cemetcrv. • 

i6i 




ilo.MAS \V. CAXTWELL was born at Albany, May i, 1845. At 
the ao-e of twelve, he was appointed page in the Assembly, 
under Speaker Littlei'dhn, and was subsequently reappointed 
under Speaker Alvord. After a brief experience in the business depart- 
ment of the Albany Evening Journal, Mr. Cantwell was fortunate enough 
to attract the attention of the late John Tweddle, then President of the 
Merchants' National Bank of Albany. Some time after the panic 
of 1857, an assorting and redemption house for the various State bank 
bills i.ssued by banking institutions throughout the United States was 
established in Albany, and Mr. Cantwell received a junior clerkship 
appointment, then beginning the career that afterward made his fame 
as a mo.st skillful expert in the detection of bogus bank bills. When the 
National Bank issue came into exi.stence, he was selected by the 
government to pass upon disputed cases brought before the United 
vStates Courts. He soon found his services in demand throughout 
the country, in cases of skillful forgeries of signatures and handwriting 
generalh', his opinion being looked upon b\- court judges and juries as 
unerring, tie was engaged by frovernor Tilden to assist in unearthing the 
dark secrets of the canal ring (_)f the State of New York, and he performed 
the duty allotted to him well, as the result proved. After a long and faith- 
ful career of thirty-two years as an employee, beginning as a junior clerk 
in the assorting hou.se and thence to the Albany City and National Exchange 
Banks, he went into the banking business for him.self. He is identified 
besides, with many out of town banking and trust companies, being a stock- 
holder and manager of the Middlesex banking company's affairs in Albany 
county, president of the United .States B. & L. as.sociation, a trustee of St. 
xAgnes' Cemetery association, and of the Albany Exchange Savings Bank, 
president of the Dominion Mining and Chemical company, of Virginia, and 
vice-president of the Bi-Metallic League of the United States. :Mr. Cantwell 
is a generous, whole-souled man, with bmad and deep sympathies, and 
possesses fine executive ability with the highest integrity, and though he 
has been quite .successful in financial affairs, he firmly believes in the wi.se 
man's maxim, that "a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, 
and that loving favor is better than gold." 

162 




THE ORIGINAL GATEWAY 




THE ORIGINAL GATfiWAY 



HE ()RI(;iNAL ENTRANCE to St. Ao-nes Cemetery was erected 
in 186;, the same year in which the Association was formed. 
The accompanying illustration to this picturesque ijateway is 
amono- the finest in the collecti-m. the niceties in distincti.m of lio-ht and 
shade beinc, dearly discernible. The design is snnple and unpretentious, 
and m the distance can be .seen the luxurious foliage and beautiful ever- 
greens, with the white shafts and monuments here and there. 

The entrance has lately been entirely changed and modelled on a larcrer 
and more pretentious .scale. On another page will be found a detailed 
sketch portraying its present appearance. There is also given a view of the 
roadu-ay, leading up to the entrance from the Trov road. This road is 
probably one of the nrost picttn-esque in the c.untry. with its overhanging 
canopy of trees that bend and almost touch each other. On either s:de^are 
broad walks leading up to the cemetery, making a charming picture of 
natural beauty and arti.stic cultivation. 

167 



THI! PP[:5liNT liNTPANCE 




HIS ENTRANCE consists of a recessed group of four massive 
columns supporting center and side gateways. The center opening 
permits of free ingress and egress for carriages, and at the sides 
for pedestrians. The material used is granite with rock-faced sides, relieved 
bv cut margins with the words "St. Agnes" cut ujjon the front sides. 
Upon the apexed caps there are gilded crosses and the gates made in 
double openings are of iron. Simplicity, durability, grandeur and beauty 
in harmonious proportions have been adhered to in the entrance, which is 
somewhat after that of the main entrance to Oakwood Cemetery, Troy. 
Upon the apex of each of the two large center columns, an (jrnamental 
cross is placed bearing in its terminals the fleur-de-lis. An important addition 
is .soon to be made at the entrance by the placing of two pieces of statuary, 
which will adorn the two large granite posts and will add great beauty to 
the already beautiful entrance. 

i68 




THE PRESENT ENTRANCE 




IGNATIUS WILEY. 



IGNATIILS WILEY 



^ 




X THE northwest part of the cemeter\% in a quiet, peaceful spot, 
stands the Wiley monument, erected as a loving memorial to 
Ignatius Wiley. It has only lately been added to the lot, and in 
design is a beautiful sarcophagus of marble, massive and commanding in 
its proportions. On the front is designed a large cross with the family 
name on the base below. The whole is unique and original, both in plan 
and execution, and is the only one of the kind in the cemetery. The 
surrounding grounds of this plot are beaiitifully cared for, testifying to the 
loving remembrance of those left behind. The monument, situated as it is 
on a high elevation, commands a .splendid view of the picturesque Hudson 
vallev, as well as both St. Agnes Cemetery and the Rural which adjoins it. 

173 




( )X. KiXATIUS WILEY, une of the best-known citizens of our 

city, was l)orn in 1.S52 and died in Albany, F"ebruarv 6th, 1S97. 

He was rated as one of the most hon(.)rable merclianls in Albany, 

and was poj^ular with all classes of our citizens. His t^'enial, kindlv nattire 

tnade him a boon companion among his friends and his generous heart led 

him to lie a pra.ctieal benefactor to all who needed he]]i or assistance of any 

kind. Xo one ever ap])lied to him and failed to win help in their distress. 

Mr. Wiley was a brother of Joseph and (.^eorge Wiley, two well-known 

merchants of Albany. He occupied many prominent positions in connec. 

tion with this city, being atone time sttpervisor and also assemblyman. He 

was one of the charter members of the local lodge of the order of Elks, and 

one of its most enterprising and prominent supporters. 

He was aLso a zealous member of the Burgess Corps for a number of 

years. During the railroad troubles in 1887, Mr. Wiley did duty on the 

upper railroad bridge with the Corps. In his social life he was so well 

known and admired for natural gifts of entertainment and geniality — so in 

his family relations as htisband and father he left a gap that cau.sed 

widespread sorrow to all who knew and loved him. Mr. \Vilev was a 

devoted member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Cimception and an 

earnest supporter of all that pertained to its welfare. Now in that last 

resting place, in the silent city of the dead, with those (.)ther good men 

and honorable citizens who too have gone on their long journey, he rests in 

peace. 

174 




'^ af^ffrff(/4- /"/^i^py. 




DE COFF MONUMENT. 



1)1! COrr MONUMIiNT 



N A PRECEDING PAGE is shown a perfect reprochiction of 
the monument which marks the last resting place of the De Coff 
family. It consists of a beautifully proportioned shaft sur- 
mounted by a cross, the whole making an impression of perfect harmony 
and symmetr)- of each part. On the base is the name De Coff and above it 
empaneled are the words, " Thy will be done." This memorial is made of 
Westerly granite, and by reason of the perfectness of detail is one of the 
finest in the cemetery. A short flight of steps with handsome ornamenta- 
tions on either side lead up to it from the driveway, adding to the lot itself 
a finishing touch as well as to the natural beauty of the surroundings. 

There is a magnificent view from the monument, of far-stretching 
mountains, below which on the east can be seen the waters of the Hudson. 

179 




JROF. JAMES HALL was born at Hingham, Mass., in 1811. His 
father was an Englishman. The son went to the Rensselaer 
Polytechnic Institute at Troy in 1828, and graduated from that 
well-known seat of learning in 1833. In 1836 he was appointed assistant 
geologist of thi.s State and in 1837 became chief geologist. He was at 
the head of the New York State Geological Survey for nearly 60 years, and 
it was he who first set markers for the scientific measurement of the reces- 
sion of Niagara Falls. His reports on the geological formations of the 
State have been a basis for investigation and a guide to working geologists 
for half a century, and the length and incalculable nature of his services 
are entirely unprecedented. Mr. Hall won for himself an international 
reputation, having been honored both by the government and scientific 
societies of Italy, Russia, France, England, Germany and Austria, and in 
our own country from Canada. Mr. Hall was one of the original officers of 
St. Agnes Cemetery Association, having been elected in 1867. He died in 
Albany, N. Y., August 7th, 1898. 

I So 




jra/med- K^/Cctct. 




JOHN LYONS. 



JOHN LYONS 




X THE CENTRAL southern part of the Cemetery stands this 
original and unique memorial, erected to the memory of the 
Lyons family. It is one of the most beautiful illustrations in 
the book, so clear cut and well defined are all the lines, as well as the effect 
of light and shade. Composed of Berry granite, it stands a huge, rough 
hewn cross, massive in proportions and simple and imposing in design. It 
is entirely unlike the majority of the memorials in the Cemetery, and for 
this reason it has been greatly admired. On the front face of the cro.ss are 
the letters, beautifully carved, " I. H. S.," and below t)n the base is the 
family name standing out in bold relief, and plainly vi.sible for some di.stance. 
Mr. John Lvons, in whose memory this beautiful cross was erected, 
.served m the navy during the Civil War, and achieved a reputation for 
great bravery during that eventful period. He was a quiet, uno.stentatious 
man, but had the strong characteristics of perseverance and self-reliance 
that made him so well beloved by all who knew him. 

185 




TCHAEL O'SULLIVAN was born in the city of Limerick, 
Ireland, in 1808. For many years he was a successful teacher in 
the different parochial schools of Albany. St. Mary's, St. Joseph's 
and vSt. John's were all at one time his educational field. Even now in this 
city there are manv middle-aged men who refer with pleasure and gratitude 
to his care of them in youth, his kindly counsel and watchful guidance. 
Capt. O'Sullivan was always fond of military affairs and was one of the 
early members of the Emmett Guard. When that company went to the 
front on April 22, 1861, he and his only son accomjxmied it as volunteers in 
the 25th Regiment and after their return he raised a company for the 63d 
Regiment, Meagher's Brigade. He was seriously wounded at Antietam 
and did not fully recover from his wounds until after the war had ceased. 
In 1865, July 4th, there was a presentation of New York State flags to 
Governor Fenton and on this occassion Captain O'.Sullivan with his colonel. 
R. C. Bentley, represented the 63d Regt., N. Y. S. V. On account of his 
educational work in this city and his natural ability, he was connected with 
all the literaiy societies in this city from their inception, also with that of 
St. Vincent de Paul. vSt. John's Institute presented him with a sword and 
revolver as a token of remembrance and esteem when he left for the seat of 
war. After the time of conflict was over, he was clerk of Criminal Statistics 
which position he held for eight years, until his death, February 21, 1873. 
He was always a highly respected citizen and a stanch, christian gentleman. 
His wife, Catherine Howe, was a model, christian wife and mother and 
survived him five years. Kate O'vSullivan, their daughter, died September 
8, 1856, and together with her younger sister was among the first 
members of the Cathedral choir. She was a general favorite and possessed 
of a beautiful voice and at her funeral Bishop, afterwards Cardinal, McClosky 
preached, she being the only lay person for whom he did this service. The 
following inscription appears on her monument : " Memorial of the 
Cathedral Parish to Catherine O'Sullivan. Died Sept. 8th, 1856; aged 21 
years. Jesus be merciful." 

1 86 




MICHAEL O'SULLIVAN. 




EDWARD HANLON. 




liUWARI) HANLON.— Une of the first lots selected and purchased 
of the St. Agnes Cemetery Association was the corner lot on the 
north side of the southern ridge by Edward Hanlon, one of the 
old Catholic business men of the city. In the year 1850, he started in busi- 
ness for himself, being one of the pioneers of the marble trade and business 
of Albany. He remained active in business life until a few months before 
his death. Some of the neatest and finest specimens of monumental work 
in both the Rural and St. Agnes Cemeteries are the product o'f his genius 
and skill. He was ever a constant, faithful son of his church, and peacefully 
he reposes in Mother Earth, beneath the cold marble who.se like he so often 
placed over the remains of others. The statue on the monument typifies 
Hope, and was imported from Italy by Mr. Hanlon. It is a faithful 
reminder to all of his own and to others, that though held down in earth's 
embrace by the marble, Hope's reality is beyond the tomb. For years he 
marked the graves of his countrymen and friends, and could he speak from 
beneath the soil, there would be heard but a simple request for a prayer for the 
welfare of his soul. At the present writing he is survived by his widow and 
.seven children, one of whom is Rev. Father Hanlon, pastor of St. \'incent 
de Paiil's church, long and favorably kncnvn as assistant at the Cathedral 
and his connection with the Chancery office of the Diocese. 

iqi 4 



Mm 



HOMAS KEARNEY was born near Dublin, Ireland, January i, 
1823, and died in April, 1893. He was an old and well-known 
citizen of Albany, having been brought to this city when but two 
. years old and residing here until the day of his death. Air. Kearney was in 
years gone by a leading factor of the Democratic part\- and was chairman of 
the county committee for a period of sixteen years. He held at various 
times the positions of alderman, member of assemblv, county treasurer and 
superintendent of canals. He was also a candidate for the office of .superin- 
tendent of prisons. So well known and esteemed was he that during his 
term as one of the original fire commissioners in this cit\-, the first steam 
fire-engine purchased and used here was named after him. He has figured 
in about all the beginnings of enterprises in Albany. When the first board 
of directors of the Albany Railway was organized, Mr. Kearney was one of 
the most energetic and prominent members. He also became a member on 
the board of directors of the Albany Gas Company. Several years before his 
death be had a stroke of paralysis, but gradually recovered and seemed to be 
in his usual good health. However, a few years later, another stroke .seized 
him which resulted in his death. Previous to his decease he had filled a 
responsible position in the construction department of the capitol. One of 
the chief interests of Mr. Kearney's life was his association with the beauti- 
ful cemetery that now holds his remains. He was one of the original 
tru.stees and .served on the Board from 1867 to 1893, a term of twenty-six 
years, during which his hearty support and co-operation were inseparable 
from the welfare of the cemetery. He was more actively engaged at the 
beginning of his term, when during the first steps for the establishment of 
the cemetery, Mr. Cagger and Mr. Cassidy selected him to purchase the 
land from the original owner, Mr. Bagley. 

192 




e_>' A o >>>?.<«J '^ L e (^(/?*^'?^ c 



'.^yL-e.ti(/?*^'?\ 



T 




LOOKING WEST FROM McARDLE LOT. 



LOOIiINC, \VI15T nX)M M( APDLI: LOT 




TANDINC; NEAR THE McArdlc lot and lookino- west, one 
x'ic'ws wIkic is known as the new part of the cemetery jrrounds. 
l"'ar back on the brow of the liill is the fence which divides the 
Rnral from St. Agnes Cemetery. The part of the cemetery shown in the 
accompanying- illustration has Ijeen greatly improved during the last few 
years, until at last it has begun to add its picturesque beauties to the old 
part of the cemetery. Beautiful drives winding in and out have been 
planned and made, and walks have been laid out in this new section to 
thoroughly represent the lawn jjlan. Many costly and hand.some monu- 
ments have been placed in this part of the cemetery in tender remembrance 
of some of Albany's most distinguished citizens. 

197 



MICHAEL I^ECK 




HIvS BEAUTIFUL cottage monument, erected to the memory of 
the wife of Michael Beck, is one of the finest memorials in the 
Cemeter}-. Surmounted with a cross of beautiful proportions 
and symmetry of construction, it .stands in bold relief amid the surrounding 
trees and verdure. The central location it occupies in the elevated part of 
the grounds, commands a magnificent view of the .surrounding country, with 
the prospect of the Hudson valley below for manv miles. It makes a fitting 
resting place for the last sleep of those who lie here. 

Michael Beck was born on the 12th of October, 1843, in Birn field, 
Bavaria. After an apprenticeship in two or three of the prominent brew- 
eries of that country, in 1866, when the war broke, he joined the military 
forces and participated in the conflict until the end of August. A year 
later he came to the United States, where he was employed in difl'erent 
breweries in New York, Brooklyn and Stapleton, and in 1881 entered as 
brewing-ma.ster in the services of the Beverwyck Brewing Co., which 
position he still holds. Mr. Beck occupies a prominent place in Catholic 
circles, being a member of almost all the leading .societies. vSince 1889, he 
has made Albany his home, and during that time has devoted all his efforts 
to the welfare of his church and the advancement of the interest of the,se 
societies. A delegate of the St. Francis Society, he has attended all conven- 
tions of the D. R. K. C. V., who.se vice-president he is, and is also president 
of the Albany Widow and Orphan Funds. Mr. Beck has always been 
regarded as a man devoted to the interest of church and city, and anxious to 
forward all that pertains to the good of both. 

198 




MICHAEL BECK. 




THOMAS F. CORCORAN. 



THOA\A.S r. COPCOI^AN 




vNA'ri': IN CHARACTER, this nionunic-nt consists of ;i beau- 
tifully carved sarcopha;4Us erected to the memory of the late 
Thomas F. Corcoran. In desi-'n it is entirely ori.o-inal and out of 
the ordinary, and on this account alone it calls forth the admiration of all who 
visit this part of the Cemetery. The unique efteet of the graceful drapery 
which covers onedialf of the upper part of the monument, as well as the 
tracery effect in the ivy vine which borders the upper part, heightens the 
whole picture. A beautiful cross is carved on the front, making in all one 
of the finest memorials in the sarcophagus style in the Cemetery. The 
granite of which the monument is constructed has peculiar properties that 
produce odd effects in shading wdien polished, and makes the gradations in 
coloring very beautiful. Mr. Corcoran was a well-known business man of 
Albany and a heartily respected citizen. He was born in 1S49 and died 

in 1889. 

203 




LLIAM vS. PRESTON was born in Hartfdrd. Cimn., the 30th of 
luh'. 1827. He was sent to the public school of that city and 
afterward to a preparatorj- college, with the intention of entering 
a profession. But being unable to continue his studies on account of his 
health, he commenced as a clerk in his father's business office in Hartford 
at the age of 16. In 1847, he went to New York as clerk in a l)usiness house 
in South street. In the fall of 1849, ^""e joined the Catholic church, and so 
was baptized at the same time with his brother, the late ^lonseignor 
Preston, of New York, by Rev. Father Bailey (then secretary to Archbishop 
Hughes, afterward Archbishop of Baltimore 1. Mr. Preston went back 
to Hartford early in 1850, and went into business with his father. He 
was married first in April, 185 1. He resided in Hartford until April, 
1853, when he removed to Albany, where he carried on business 
until 1869. He was active with Mr. Cagger in the foundation of 
St. Agnes Cemetery and was its first .secretary and treasurer. He was also 
treasurer and trustee of the Cathedral under Bishop Conroy, In the spring 
of 1869, he removed to New York and a few years after resigned his trustee- 
ship in the Cemetery. He continued in business in New York until 
Jantiary, 1887, when he gave up business on the Produce Exchange and 
was appointed U. S. Consul at Liege by President Cleveland. He resided 
at Liege until 1890, when he was transferred to Cognac in France, where he 
acted as U. S. Con.sul until 1893. After that he bought a property in 
Angouleme, where he resides with his family at the present writing. 

204 




WILLIAM S PRESTON 



>.-■■■■-■ 




JAMES LYONS. 



JAMI::> LN^ONS 



^ 




IILS MONUMENT consists (jf a ma,o-nificent shaft, towcrinir 
heavenward, surmounted by a beautifully proportioned cross. 
The tapering- effect of the whole as it rises upwards in its slender, 
graceful height, seems to typify aspiration, whose goal lies in the redeeming 
powers of the Cross. ( )wing to the style of the memorial, it has the effect of 
towering over the surrounding marbles, making a conspicuous appearance 
of symmetry and beauty of construction. The inscription on the die reads : 
"James Lyons. 1823-1875: Daniel T. 1853-1887. Handsome granite steps 
lead up from the drive to the monument, making an imposing approach. 
The corner-stones that mark the dimensions of the lot are round and of 
polished Ouincy granite, which gives a most .substantial and finished effect 
to the whole surroundings. Mr. Lyons, who lies at rest in the beautiful 
spot, was at one time a prosperous merchant of West Troy and a man 
widely respected for integrity of life and uprightness of character. 



209 




OHN TRACEV, (Hic of the orij^inal officers of St. A.^ncs, 
CemetLTN', was born in Frankford, Cmintv Kings, Ireland, on the 
8th of December, 1809, and died July 12, 1875. In 1825. when 
only 16 years of at^'e, he left Ireland and came to America. His first 
mercantile \'enture was in Xew York, where he remained some time as 
clerk, and his readv aptness and attention to Ijusincss secured for him a 
position as salesman to New Orleans in a leading house, where he remained 
until Julw 1829. when finding himself debilitated liy the climate, he came 
north. After a six years' residence in Canada witJi his brother, he came to 
Albany in 1837, on account of the Canadian re\-olt, when the patriotic sym- 
pathies of Mr. Tracey made it necessary for him to leaye Montreal. liarly 
in the Spring of 1838, he commenced here and established himself as one 
of the mo.st successful and enterprising of Albany's citizens. He was pos- 
sessed of those sterling qualifications for success — energy, enterprise and 
the most strict probity — which alwa}'s command or conquer success. For 
many years there was scarcely a single pul)lic improyement or enterprise or 
question to which joliii Tracc\''s attention was not called and his ad\-ice 
asked. His excellent judgment, his calm and deliberate consideration were 
esteemed of great yalue in both public and priyate affairs When the 
Rebellion broke out he was a member of the Common Council and on the 
finance committee, and at a time when prompt and continuous action was 
called for he did much to allay popular excitement and produce harmony of 
feeling. In short, it was largely due to the good judgment of Mr. Tracey 
that the city of Albany possesses so good a war record. Like many other 
citizens possessing the qualifications of Mr. Tracey, he was prone to decline 
public honors, and so great was his attention to business that he was fearful 
of not being able to do justice to any public undertaking. The only other 
office he held was that of police commissioner, at the organization of its 
present system, when he helped so materially to bring about its successful 
beginning and permanent continuance. His career is an example of a 
successful business man, a patriotic citizen and a true Christian gentleman. 




r/ / ^/ 



U. 



/I f_y r a (■ e /. 



7- 




THE TRACEY MEMORIAL. 




THE m/\(:i:V MI:MOI?l/\L 



HIS BEAUTIFUL MEMORIAL, erected to the memory of the 
late lohn Tracey, is one of the most imposing; in the Cemetery. 
In desio-n it consists of a wliite marl^le shaft, on which rests a 
graceful cross, the whole towering above the surrounding foliage. The 
plot is .situated in one of the most picture.sque parts of the Cemetery, both 
by reason of the natural beauty as well as the careful cultivation tendered 
by tho.se who keep in loving memory those dear ones who have gone "to 
that bourne from which no traveler returns." From here one can obtain a 
view of the surrounding country, unsurpas.sed in any other part of the grounds. 
Mr. John Tracey, whose memory is held in tender esteem by those who 
were dear to him in life and who now lies beneath this graceful tribute to 
his memory, was one of Albany's most honored citizens. He was ever 
active in the interest of the church he so well loved, as well as in all that 
touched its welfare. When the As.sociation connected with St. Agnes' Cem- 
etery was formed he was one of the original officers, serving as trustee from 
1867 to 1875, and during all that time remained one of its most active pro- 
motors. The memory of this man, so widely known and honored for integ- 
rity of life and purpo.se, is .still fragrant and dear to all who knew him. At 
his death, his son, Charles, was appointed trustee m his .stead, and has 
served now for nearly twenty-five years in that capacity. • 



215 




HARLES TRACEY was born in Albany cm the 27th of May, 
1847, and graduated from the Boys' Academy in 1866. He 
became deeply interested in military tactics and was elected 
captain of the battalion of cadets. He then started on a trip through 
Europe, Egypt and the Holy Land. He entered the sersdce of the Pontifical 
Zouaves and served two years. He returned to Albany in 1869. but the 
following- year went to Rome and took part during the siege of that city. 
being captured and held as a prisoner for some time. He Avas the first to 
organize the Catholic Union in New York city and ^vas its first secretary. 
After his return from Europe, Pope Pius IX conferred upon him, as recog- 
nition of his military services, the order of vSt. ( iregory the Great, with rank 
and title, chevalier. He finally returned to Albany, where he has been very 
prominent in ])ublic life, being elected Congressman four times. He is 
connected with some of the most prominent industries and organizations in 
Albany. Mr. Tracey was elected a trustee of St. Agnes Cemetery Association 
in 1875 to fill the \'acancy caused by the death of his father, and is at present 
one of the active members. 



216 




(C // rr >' /r S f^ /'rrrr u. 




ICHARD J. CARMODY came to New York as a youth in 1839. 
His well-known musical ability even at that early age found 
!i speedy recognition and he immediately assumed a position in one 
of the leading New York churches. For some time he remained as organist 
at St. Mary's when other plans brought about his change of residence to 
Albany. For a number of years he was organist at St. Joseph's church in 
this city, directing with a thorough musical ability and skill its choir and 
musical programs. Such was the esteem and honor in which Mr. Carmody's 
work was held that, on November 21, 1852, when the beautiful cathedral of 
the Immaculate Conception was dedicated, Cardinal McCloskey, then bishop, 
urged him to undertake the dedication service. For twenty-two years after 
this Mr. Carmody remained at the cathedral, where he built up a standard 
of church music unknown before in this city. His rare talent as an organist^ 
his .sympathetic and harmonious insight into the beauties of the world of 
Catholic music, drew to his church all lovers of this art. During this time 
Mr. Carmody also presided over the department of music as piano forte 
teacher at the convent of the Sacred Heart, Kenwood, continuing this for 
thirty-three years. He has left in the hearts of many of its former pupils, 
pleasant and grateful remembrances of his painstaking and excellent work 
while their teacher. After an interval of some years devoted to travel and 
rest, his old friend Father Walworth persuaded him to preside at St. Marys, 
where he spent eight years of conscientious and carefully executed work at 
the organ and with the choir. He has now resigned and is freed from his 
sixty years of notable musical labor. Only one to whom his instrument is 
the outward expression of his deeply musical sense and inner religious 
feeling could hold this enviable record and brilliant career. 

219 




lYRON A. COONEY, one of the oldest and ablest newspaper men 
of this city, passed away to eternal rest June 21, 1898. He was 
born in Dublin, March i, 1841, and when a mere child developed 



an extraordinary fondness for music and study. He was educated in the 
private sehpols, the Royal Academy of Music in London, the University of 
Dublin and St. Patrick's College, Maynooth. On leaving college he traveled 
extensively, and in i860 came to America. Following the battle of Belmont 
in 1 86 1 he came north and became correspondent of the New York Herald, 
later assuming the position of musical and dramatic editor where, l)y reason 
of his rare technical and sympathetic insight into the art of music, his work 
was recognized and appreciated by the best artists of the day. In January 
1885 j\lr. Coonev came to Albany to continue his newspaper work in this 
field, where he remained as editor-in-chief of the Albany Argus. In 1891 
he became connected with the state department of public instruction, as well 
as correspondent for New York and Rochester papers. His final professional 
work was as a member of the editorial staff of The Times-Union, which 
connection he held up to the time of his death. He is survived by his 
widow and a son and daughter. About the last special work .of his life was 
this present history of St. Agnes' Cemetery, on which he was engaged when 
called home and in whose gracious and beautiful surroundings he now rests. 
With the passing away of this man the newspaper world lost one of its most 
brilliant and versatile members. He was always the same forceful writer_ 
As a critic his .singular acuteness of mind lent to all he wrote a charm, as 
convincing as it was irresistible, and as a litterateur he will be remembered 
for his excellent translations of modern French works. He was an 
exceptional Christian as well as a loyal citizen and a talented man, and the 
nobility and the integrity of his life in which he reflected much of the beauty 
and faith of the Master's teaching, has ended now in rest and peace and 
victory. 




AHERN-FAHRELL MONUMENT 




AHEI^N & rARRELL 

UR ILLU.STRATION should draw special attention to this ornate 
and shapely cross. It is hewn from the finest quality of granite 
and although very plain in design is in every sense of the word a 
masterpiece, or work of art. The style and design is particularly adapted 
to this lot, which is located in a part of the cemetery most frequented by 
those coming into the grounds. It stands near the main entrance and is 
surrounded by beautiful evergreens of which this part of the grounds 
abound. Mr. James Farrell, who erected the monument, is a well-known 
resident of Albany, having followed the contracting business here for many 
years, and is still to be found among the active contractors and builders of 

Albany. 

O faithful Cross ! O noblest tree ! 
In all our woods there's none like thee; 
No earthly groves, no shady bowers 
Produce such leaves, such fruit, such flowers. 
Sweet are the nails, and sweet the wood. 
That bears a weight so sweet and good. 

225 




lEUT. THOMAS A. WANSBORO was born March 22, 1S74. He 
graduated from the Christian Brothers' Academy with the class of 
'91. While still a student at the academy he tried the competitive 
examination for the West Point cadetship, offered by Congress- 
man Charles Tracey. Students from the C. B. A., the Normal College, the 
High School, the Albany Academy and the Troy Polytechnic Institute 
took the examination, but the students from the Brothers' Academy 
won. James Glavin, now a professor of a public school in West 
Albany, being first and Lieutenant Wansboro second. Mr. Glavin 
had no ambition for a military career and resigned his place. 
and thereupon Congressman Tracey appointed Mr. Wansboro. He 
entered the West Point Military Academy in 1892 and graduated 
with the class of '96, standing well in his class. There were not 
vacancies sufficient in the army for all the cadets graduated that year, and. 
with a score or more of his classmates, he was commissioned an additional 
second lieutenant and assigned to the Sixteenth Infantry, stationed in the 
West. In the course of a few months he was commissioned a regular second 
lieutenant, his commission dating from June, 1896, and assigned to the 
Seventh regiment, with which command he served to the end. His regiment 
was one of the first ordered South and under the Hull reorganization law, 
increasing the regiments to their full strength, he was .stationed at Knoxville, 
Tenn., to recruit for his regiment. He might have remained there still, but 
when his regiment was ordered to join the army of invasion he immediately 
applied to be relieved and, accordingly, was assigned to his regiment. He 
was a lieutenant of Company C, which lost many men during the engagement. 
The English army officer. Captain Arthur P. Lee, in his official statement 
ob.serves: " Clo.se in front of me a slight and boyish lieutenant compelled 
my attention by his persistent and reckless gallantry. Whenever a man 
was hit he would dart to his assistance, regardless of the fire that this 
exposure inevitably drew. Suddenly he .sprang to his feet, gazing intentlv 
into the village, but what he saw, we never knew, for he was instantly shot 
through the heart and fell over backward, clutching at the air. I followed 
the men who carried him to the road and asked them his name. vSecond 
Lieutenant Wansboro, sir, of the Seventh Infantry, and you will never 
see his better. He fought like a little tiger. A few convulsive gasps and 
the poor boy was dead, and as we laid him in a shady spot by the side of 
the road, the sergeant reverently drew a handkerchief over his face and 
said: ' Good bye, Lieutenant. You were a brave little officer and you died 
like a soldier.' Who could have wished for a better end?" That occurred 
July finst, eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, at 3 P. M., at El Caney, Cuba. 

226 




^Z^cf^f^f. ' / // , 



r-'mrr-'j • C 



'6-o?<i 



it9Zd-Cf-0?<0 




O'BRIEN & NORTON MONUMENT 



O'WWIH & K'OI^TON 




MONG THE MONUMENTS of St. Agnes Cemetery showing 
both skill and artistic taste in every outline is the one bearing 
the names O'Brien & Norton. It is situated in one of the mcst 
sightly places in the cemetery, " Near the McArdle Lot, " and faces the 
rising sun and the beautiful valley of the Hudson, while far beyond are the 
mountains outlined against the horizen. A more restful and beautiful spot 
would indeed be hard to find. The accompanying illustration of this 
ma.ssive monument speaks plainer than the pen can describe. The pose and 
o-race of the figure which surmounts the whole is exceedingly fine and 
attracts the attention and admiration of all visitors to the cemetery grounds. 
]Mr. Charles O'Brien is one of Albany's best known merchants, having been 
a resident of Albany for more than fifty years He is deeply interested in 
St. Agnes Cemetery, and his lot shows that it is watched over and cared for 
bv careful hands. 



231 




OHN RILEY was born in Rensselaer County, at Stiles Corners. 
His parents moved to Troy shortly after his birth, and I\Ir. Riley 
made Troy his home ever afterwards. He was an inventor and 
mechanical engineer, and conducted large contracts, before and after the war. 
for the United States Government in the prosecution of public works in the 
south and west. He was identified with the Lillie safe works, was a member 
of the Stove Manufacturing Company, of Riley, Hay & McClunie, and was 
also largely interested in the manufacturing products of the Salamander 
Felting Company. Mr. Riley had an extensive acquaintance throughout the 
United States, particularly in the iron and oil manufacturing districts. He 
is survived by his wife and also by two daughters, Mrs. Edward Molson of 
New York and Mrs. A. A. Zimmerman of Freehold, New Jersey, and one 
son, ex-Assemblyman James M. Riley of Troy. Mr. Riley was a worthy 
citizen, unostentatious and genial. Mr. Riley died August 9, 1897, at his 
family residence, 2014 Fifth avenue, Troy, N. Y. 

232 





oA,^ Kyh<'/e 



T 




HARRIGAN FAMILY MONUMENT 




IIAPI^K-AM r/\A\ILN^ MOX'UMEMT 



HE ILLUSTRATION herewith presented to our readers of the 
Harrigan monument will no doubt figure among the most familiar 
views here found. The John McArdle lot, which is marked by 
the fourteen stations of the cross, is probably the best known lot in St. Agnes 
Cemetery, and the Harrigan lot joins it on the north. It stands in one of the 
sightly places of the cemetery and a fine view can be had away to the east, 
taking in the Hudson valley with its busy mills and continual stream of craft 
plying both up and down the river, while to the west from this lot one has a 
perfect view of the new part of the cemetery grounds as well as a fair view 
of the Rural Cemeter}', which j(.iins St. Agnes on the north and west. The 
late John Harrigan was born Augu.st 15, \Sig. He was a native of 
Craughberg, Parish of Adair, County Limerick, Ireland. He was the 
founder of the well-known undertaking establishment of John Harrigan 
Sons of Albany; he was quiet and unostentatious, with an admirable 
character. Mr. Harrigan died May 28, 1876. Mrs. Harrigan was Mary A. 
Quinn ; she was born in 1.S21 and died in 1891. Mary A. R., a daughter, died 
June 3, 1891, and John J. died August 22, 1893. 

237 




RANCIS ROARKE was born in Irt-land 69 years ago. He came 

to this country and located in Troy in 1S54, and at the time of his 

death had been engaged in tlie optical business since 1S57. 

Mr. Roarke died August 5, 1S97, at the family residence in Troy, and in 

his death Troy lost an exemplary citizen. He is survived by his wife, one 

daughter, Miss Helen Roarke, and one .son. Dr. Frank K. Roarke. Mr. 

Roarke, though quiet and unassuming, was nevertheless a deep student 

of passing events. He was upright and direct in his business career, 

and by close application had built up a good business and accumulated 

a considerable fortune. The memorial recently erected by Mrs. Roarke to 

perpetuate the memory of her husband will bear the closest study and the 

most intelligent criticisms. The design is a cross, simple in outline but 

rich in ornamentation. No matter how simple the form there are certain 

positive laws of art, such as the relation of part to part, etc., resulting in what 

we call proportion, which has been closely studied by the artist in this 

design, the ornamentations are marvels of accuracy and delicacy so chiseled 

as to give a soft effect as though modeled in clay rather than cut from 

granite. It was designed by Mr. I). C. Lithgow and executed by the Flint 

Granite Co. 

238 




FRANCIS ROARKE 




Rev. PHILIP J. SMITH 




EV. PHILIP J. SMITH was born at Bills, County Cavan, Ireland, 
in 1 84 1, and his early education was received at a private school 
conducted by Rev. John King, a Presbyterian minister of that 
place. In 1857 he entered Kilmore Diocesan College, and three years later 
found himself within the historic walls of All Hallows College, Dublin, 
where he was ordained in 1866. He came to this country the same year and 
was appointed assistant pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Albany, and one year 
after was appointed pastor at Waterville, Oneida County, N. Y. Here he 
labored until 1874, when he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church of 
this city, which, under his wise and zealous administration, grew and 
flourished to a surprising extent. Father Smith was a familiar figure in 
Catholic Albany, and was noted for his racy humor and high scholarly 
attainments. He was an impressive and practical speaker and dealt always 
with live issues in his public utterances. Father Smith died in Albany, 
February 15, 1898, aged 56 years. Our illustration shows a very handsome 
monument which has been erected to the memory of Father Smith, .showing 
the cross laid down to be replaced by the crown. The monument stands 
near the receiving Vault, and not far from the entrance, just to the right of 
the main drive. The monument is of the finest quality of granite, and while 
plain it is a masterpiece from an artistic point. The work was executed by 
William D. Hawe of Albany. Everything about the place is in keeping 
with good taste and the perpetual care sign speaks for the future. 

243 




CLOSING REAAARK5 



S MUCH TIME is necessarily taken np in compiling and 
publishing a work of this character, it is only just to expect 
that many most important changes must necessarily take place 
during such time. One of the saddest of such changes was the death of the 
amiable and scholarly editor, Mr. Mj^ron A. Cooney. The last work of 
importance in which ]\Ir. Cooney was interested was the editing of this 
work, and although he had no relatives buried there he was deeply 
interested in St. Agnes Cemetery, and made several journeys there and 
went over the grounds with Mr. Judson in order that he might possess a 
more thorough knowledge of its beauties and grandeur. His body now rests 
in one of the most picturesque and sightly parts of the cemetery grounds, 
and we can all join in saying " Requiescat In Pace." The names of James 
B. Lyon and John W. JNIcNamara, two of Albany's well-known business men, 
have recently been added to the Board of Directors. Among the changes 
which have taken place at the grounds, one of the most important is the 
erection of a fine building which contains living apartments for use by some 
of the help, also very fine stables for horses used on the grounds as well as 
tool rooms and rooms for the convenience of the working force during stormy 
or cold winter weather, having ranges for cooking or warming food and pr( )vid- 
ing other luxuries which heretofore were unknown. Much credit is due the 
Superintendent, Mr. Judson, for the way in which this work, as well as the 
many permanent repairs to the grounds have been carried to completion. 
Although some people have an idea that the greater part of the cemetery 
grounds is occupied, there have been times within the last year when there 

244 



were more lots graded and ready for sale than there had been at any one 
time almost since the cemetery was started. This was due in a great 
measure to the foresight, good judgment and hard work of Mr. Judson in 
filling in and grading and eventually bringing from what almost seemed 
impossible chaos to beautiful avenues and lawns with every appearance of 
having received nature's most favored gifts. During the past year many 
have interested themselves in the perpetual care of their lots, and the result 
is indeed very gratifying to the Cemetery Association, as every lot placed 
under perpetual care adds one more to the already long list of names and 
helps just so much more to eventually make St. Agnes Cemetery one of the 
best kept and most beautiful cemeteries in the country. The founders of 
St. Agnes Cemetery endeavored to guard against carelessness, by providing 
a perpetual care fund, the interest of which would insure that every lot so 
placed would have proper care for all future time. The " Perpettial Care 
Fund " is kept distinct and the interest thereon expended on the lots 
included in Perpetual Care. The Superintendent, Mr. B. D. Judson, who has 
had more than twenty-eight years experience in connection with cemeteries, 
will cheerfully give any desired information about the care of lots. 
Improvements are constantly going on and with the mutual co-operation of 
the association and lot owners combined St. Agnes will soon be a source 
of constant pride to all lot owners as well as residents of Albany in general. 

"Slumber." « 

" He sees when their footsteps falter, when their hearts grow weak and faint ; 
He marks when their strength is failing, and listens to each complaint ; 
He bids them rest for a season, for the pathway has grown too steep ; 
And folded m fair green pastures He giveth His loved one's sleep." 

" He giveth it, oh! so gently, as a mother will hush to rest 
The babe that she softly pillows so tenderly on her breast ; 
Forgotten are uow the trials and sorrows that made them weep ; 
For with many a soothing promise He giveth His loved one's sleep." 

245 



Hereafter. 

If this were all — if from Life's fitful rays 
No steadier beacon gleamed — no fairer days 

Could dawn for us who struggle in the night. 

And sigh for wings to bear us in their flight 
To that Beyond of mystery and amaze- 
Surely our hearts would faint beside the ways, 
While Courage, stifled by the deathly haze. 

Would helpless droop beneath our mournful plight. 
If this were all ! 

But, o'er the shadows — with a heaven wrapt gaze — 
Past love grown cold — above the world's dismays — ' 

Strong, through Life's moment of imperfect sight — 

On, to the glowing of a great delight — 
Faith — with her keenest upward glancing, says — 
" This is not all." 

[C. F. Ramsay.] 

246 



TABLI: or CONTEN LS. 



BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS. 



Biographies. 

Beck, MiCHAEr Page tgS 

Behan, Thomas 77 

Burke, Thomas M. A., Rt. Rev 27 

Cagger, Peter 28 

Cantwell, Thomas W 162 

Carmody, Richard J..... 219 

Cassidy, William 34 

Clarke, Michael 126 

Clarke, James D . . 132 

Coleman, Thomas D 113 

CoNNiCK, John no 

CoNROY, John J., R r. Rev 16 

CooNEY, Myron A 220 

Delehanty, Michael 150 

Farrell, John H 144 

Flaherty, Charles T. J 104 

Flinn, Peter J 114 

Gordon, John B 52 

Hall, James 180 

HiGGiNS, John C, Rev 86 

HiGGiNS, Edward J., Rev... gi 

Judge, John 92 

Judson, Benjamin D 64 

Kearney, Thomas 192 

Kenny, William 80 

Kerin, James 120 

Leuke, Henry 40 



Portraits. 
Page 

25 

29 

163 

35 
127 

133 

1 1 1 

17 
221 

'5' 
I4S 
'°S 
IIS 
53 
181 

87 
89 

93 

65 
'93 

81 
121 

41 



Biographies. Portraits. 

Mattimore, Thomas Page 74 Page 75 

MoRANGE, William D 9S 99 

MuLDERRY, Bryan 156 157 

Mullen, John 46 47 

McArdle, John 138 139 

McHuGH, Michael 58 59 

McNeirny, Francis, Rt. Rev 22 23 

O'SuLLiVAN, Michael 1S6 ... 

Peyton, James J., Rev 70 71 

Preston, William S 204 . . 

Riley, John ... 232 233 

RoARKE, Francis 238 

Smith, Philip J., Rev 243 

Tracy, John 210 211 

Tracy, Charles 216 217 

Wadhams, Edgar P., Rt. Rev 21 19 

Wansboro, Thomas C, Lieut 226 227 

Wiley, Ignatius 174 175 

VIEWS AND SKETCHES. 

Views. Sl<etches. 

Ahern-Farrell — Monument Page 223 Page 225 

Altar Monument 61 63 

Angel of the Sepulcher (Frontispiece) ... ... 

Beck, Michael 199 198- 

Cassidy, William — Monument 31 33 

Cemetery Avenue 129 131 

Clergy, Rev. — Monument 37 39. 

Corcoran, Thomas F — Monument 201 203 

DeCoff — Monument 177 179- 

Delehanty-Stuart — Monument 147 149 

Entrance, The 169 i68- 

248 



Views. Sketches. 

Farrell, John H— Lot Page 14, Page 143 

Gordon, Richard A — Monument 

Haiilon, Edward — Monument 180 

Harrigan Family — Monument 235 

Higgins Family — Monument g, g- 

Hollinger, John C — Monument ,23 

Judge, John — Monument ... yj 

Kenny, William — Monument 77 

Kerin, James — Monument 

Looking West from McArdle Lot 1 95 

Lyon, James — Monument 207 

Lyons, John — Monument iS, jg,- 

Meegan, Edward — Monument loi 103 

Mulderry, Bryan— Monument 159 igj 

McArdle, John — Lot 1 7c 

McHugh-Woods — Monument 55 

O'Brien and Norton — Monument 229 

Original Gateway 165 167 

O'Sullivan, Michael — Lot 187 186 

Peyton, James J — Monument 67 69 

Preston, William S— Monument 205 

Receiving Vault 4-. 

Roarke, Francis — Monument 239 238 

Sketch of St. Agnes Cemetery ... 9 

Stuart-Delehanty — Monument 147 149 

Smith, Philip J., Rev. — Monument 241 243 

The Diocese of Albany ... j- 

Thacher Monument J07 10m 

Tracy Monument 21-5 21c 

Wiley, Ignatius — Monument 171 jy, 

Ziser, Dagobert — Monument ic^ ice 

249 



49 51 

191 

237 
85 

125 
97 
79 
117 119 

197 

209 



137 
57. 
231 



204 
45 



Views From Photographs Taken by Irving, Knapp and Others. 
Engravings by the Austin Engraving Co. and Others. 
Printing and Binding by the Argus Company, Albany.