USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > A hand book for the Albany Rural Cemetery : with an appendix on emblems > Part 2
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Leaving BLEECKER, we proceed past the STRONG brown stone, and stop before the handsome monu- ment, purely Gothic, of SCHOOLCRAFT and JOHN- SON. JOHN L. SCHOOLCRAFT, who once figured largely in public life, lies here.
Beyond SCHOOLCRAFT is a very singular looking rustic cross, commemorative of JOHN INNES KANE and MARY, his wife, the former of whom died at Palermo, Sicily.
Leaving this unique little specimen, we pass
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WHITLOCK, and on the opposite side we see a small marble monument to the Rev. DAVID DYER, who died recently. Mr. DYER was for a long time chaplain of the Albany Penitentiary, and was the author of an interesting history of that institution.
As we advance we see the names of POMFRET, E. PERRY and TABER. Here the TOUR winds round TABER and leaps the Ravine by means of Glen Cross Bridge. As we do not wish to follow it far- ther at present, we will continue straight ahead, entering GLEN CROSS WAY, which meets us here.
Ascending this slope by the curving road last mentioned, we pass ALEXANDER, and at the abrupt turn beyond we notice the cottage monuments of H. NEWMAN and HUGH HUMPHREY.
The singular Egyptian column of REUEL CLAPP next strikes the eye. Opposite, on our left, a little distance from the road, we see the small monument of MCMULLEN and the cross-crowned memorial of ALLEN. In front of this is another small mon- ument in the lot of L. D. COLLINS. Upon the side towards us appears a harp with one broken
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string, signifying that a member of a family has departed. Again, in front of COLLINS, stand the memorials of HOWES and MONTEATH.
Here we turn westerly into another portion of the TOUR around CLAPP, leaving on our left the small monument of PAYN-a name that sounds familiar to numerous tobacco lovers.
A very odd looking monument here attracts us. It is the large granite globe of PRENTICE, which is emblematic of eternity. This is certainly novel and substantial, if nothing more. Many different opinions are expressed as to its appropriateness and general merits; and the " eternal fitness " question is frequently discussed in consequence. It has these advantages over the majority of monuments : it cannot topple over and is always plumb. Al- though plain, and, we might say, unpretending, it attracts its share of attention.
Again advancing, we observe the small monu- ment of FRELEIGH and SNYDER, and opposite stands the neat Latin cross of Rev. Dr. POHLMAN. In the same lot is a soldier's rustic memorial, of
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strange design, to the memory of Lieut. WM. H. POHLMAN, another gallant young Albanian who fell in the late war. You will infer from the many names of memorable battle grounds inscribed upon the stone, that, for a young man of twenty-two, he had considerable experience in war before receiving the wounds that terminated fatally, at Gettysburg, in 1863. His military record stamps him as an energetic and courageous young patriot, while his bouyant spirits, genial disposition, and educational accomplishments, rendered him a most desirable visitor to the social circle.
From POHLMAN, we pass the monuments of ANDREWS, MUIR, SANFORD, ROBINSON and COOK, TELLER, TURNER and VAN ETTEN. We will now again leave the TOUR, because in its sudden turn here to the north, around by the WING vault, it departs from our intended line of march.
As we stand here we see to the left, a few steps ahead, the small marble monument of DAVID ROSE. We will turn around it southerly into PROSPECT AVENUE. Opposite ROSE, upon a neat
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iron enclosure, we read the names of HADLEY and SEDAN. Then comes the low monument of CHASE, and beyond, but not facing this avenue, stand the marble obelisk and sarcophagus of DEFOREST.
A few steps farther on this avenue is intersected. by FOREST AVENUE. In front of us at this point is a marble monument, surmounted by that fre- quently recurring emblem of innocence, the dove. The name of GREER, which it bears, will suggest pleasant memories to those who indulge in the Indian weed.
We will cross over to GREER and wind around it. Standing all alone on the margin of the DELL (COLD SPRING DELL) before us, we see the mar- ble monument which commemorates Gen. GEORGE TALCOTT, Lieut. Col. GEORGE H. TALCOTT, and their wives.
Let us now descend easterly to the Stone Bridge. On our left is the marble obelisk of D. MOUNT, and back of this the elegant headstones of Wy. GODSON.
Farther east is the superb memorial of SOUTH-
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WICK, and still farther in the same line is LYMAN ROOT's large granite monument. The shaft itself of this is the heaviest on the grounds; but the monument entire, in consequence of its lacking the usual massive die, is less in weight than any one of several others here.
As PROSPECT AVENUE crosses the DELL, by means of the Stone Bridge, it suddenly turns to the west; and if you are agreeable we will humor its twisting whims a little longer, and turn with it. But first notice the large granite monument and splendid circular lot of BENEDICT, on the corner to the left.
Moving along the south side of the DELL, west- erly, we see to the left the marble of McCLASKY, and soon reach the well kept lot of DICKSON, with its neat enclosure.
We are now upon that part of the SOUTH RIDGE where circular lots are a very prominent and feli- citous feature. We will be favorably impressed with this, and will feel a sense of relief in contem- plating the change from sharp cornered parallelo-
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grams, triangles and irregular plats, to the easy unbroken curve and graceful outline of a circle or an ellipse. We will notice, too, that uncouth iron fences-a style of enclosure that detracts much from the natural rural appearance of any cemetery where it predominates- and high, impenetrable hedges, are not in favor on this portion of the grounds. This will surely meet our unqualified approbation.
Proceeding up the slope beyond DICKSON, we see that this avenue takes another devious notion and darts off southerly, almost at right angles with its previous course.
We will go straight ahead into WILD FLOWER AVENUE ; but if you see fit to keep company still with the rambling road before mentioned, we will meet you a little farther on.
Let us tell you what is to be seen on the continua- tion of Prospect Avenue. In farther pursuing it you will first pass the circular lot of ARCHIBALD MCCLURE, on the right hand corner. Then you will see the hand- somely draped soldier's monument to Lieutentant- Colonel FREDERICK L. TREMAINE, the son of Hon. Lyman Tremaine.
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Young TREMAINE was a heroic soldier, who nobly emulated the example of his Revolutionary ancestors by entering our army during the late war. His military record is the record of gallantry and patriotism. He is commemorated in verse, by Alfred B. Street :
" The saddle was his throne, and he a king When the fierce squadron dashed, in thundering might, A cataract of swords and shots - a wing
Of rushing Havoc- a quick cleaving flight Of deadly levin ! Lo; a glorious raid !
And the galloping steeds and the rush and the clang Of the ride over mountain, through forest and glade,
And the keen thrilling peals of the trumpet ! How sprang The hamlet in terror, while on came the burst Of the troopers and cheering and flame told the worst, As they swept up the harvest and dashed down the wall, And laden with spoil skipped away one and all,
While the night rang with clash and deep thunder of bound, And flushed wide with torch-flame, and day heard the sound From field and from village, of wailing and wrath, And the foe sought in vain to block Sheridan's path. And with them our eager young hero ! no toil Too great for his striving ; no battle turmoil Too fierce for his daring; no duty undone Till the goal of the striving and daring was won."
Opposite TREMAINE you will see HUNTINGTON'S granite, and next comes the elegant light-colored obelisk of NORTHROP. Its material is the New Hampshire granite.
A little distance farther on you see the VAN VECHTEN granite monument, with Latin cross-a graceful and substantial structure. Here lie ABRAHAM and TEUNIS VAN VECHTEN, two distinguished Albany lawyers.
At a certain period in the past, when Albany was the recognized legal centre of the State, ABRAHAM VAN VECHTEN was one of the brightest stars among the fraternity - one of the most able jurists that ever shed 3*
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lustre upon the Bar of Albany. The high places were then filled by a gifted race of advocates, among whom were Hamilton, Harrison, Jones, Burr, and Livingston. But thei. brilliancy could not cast young VAN VECHTEN in the shade. He ranked among his illustrious seniors as an equal and a competitor for the highest profes- sional eminence. His talents were too conspicuous to allow him to confine his efforts to the Bar. He repeatedly represented his fellow-citizens in the Legis- lature. At an early period of his life he declined a seat on the bench of the Supreme Court. He has been Recorder of Albany, State Senator, and Attorney-Gene- ral, and was a member of the Constitutional Convention of 1821. He died at Albany on the 6th of January, 1837.
Next you are attracted by the very substantial granite monument of Hon. HUGH WHITE. He by whom it was erected was recently buried beside it. It is surmounted by a Grecian urn. It is massive without being clumsy, beautiful without being frail; and looks as though it might stand for endless ages to mark the resting place of one of the fathers of that spindle city not far distant, which, with eminent propriety, has recently taken on municipal airs and attributes.
Now you approach the WARD monument, and near it notice several handsome little sculptured headstones.
A little farther on this avenue crosses the Tour. Near their intersection are the handsome headstones of WILLIAM MASCRAFT and wife.
You pass the monument of YOUNG and to the south see KELLEY's granite obelisk.
In proceeding into WILD FLOWER AVENUE we pass MCCLURE's circle on the left, and soon see the conspicuous monument of MONTEATH.
ROBERT NELSON DIED. NOV. 20.1567
NELSON.
Lith of G W. Lewis 452 Broadway. Alhany.
NELSON.
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Here the avenue turns southerly and gives us a front view of that structure. Four handsome sculptured headstones, commemorative of different members of the MONTEATH family, attend it.
.Opposite MONTEATH stands the very graceful octagonal shaft of S. H. Cook, and some distance south of this the fine monument of JEFFERS. Here is a double headstone, with cross, and bear- ing one of the several emblems of faith -joined hands.
Again in advancing we see the Egyptian obelisk of NELSON, with Roman moulds and polished tablets. It is eventually intended to commemorate the "Twin Brothers," and one of the twain is already here. It was erected by Doctor ALEXAN- DER NELSON, of Albany.
The next prominent monument we notice is that to RUFUS KING. Its material is Quincy granite, and it stands second in size among the monumental structures of the place. Mr. KING, who died but recently, was one of the most suc- cessful and respected self-made men of Albany.
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To the right, beyond the TOUR, which meets us here, we see two superior specimens of the sculptor's art. One is Palmer's great masterpiece, the "Angel at the Sepulchre." The other is the elaborate memorial of JAMES A. WILSON.
. As this last is the nearer of the two, we will cross the TOUR and contemplate from in front its artistic beauties. It is one of the most costly monuments on the ground, and will bear the closest inspection. A niche in the front contains a faultless figure of Faith. Survey the monument carefully and observe the richness of its tracery. The handsome lot upon which it stands could not possibly be more appropriately adorned, and the memorial is destined to attract much attention. The celebrated Launitz, of New York, is the author of this exquisite production. It was erected in the year 1870, by Mrs. JAMES A. WILSON, to the memory of her husband, who was formerly a prominent Albany merchant.
Southerly from WILSON we see the immense plat of ERASTUS CORNING, which is the largest in
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the Cemetery, and has cost a moderate fortune. A monumental granite cross, to the memory of GERTRUDE TIBBITTS CORNING, is, as yet, its only memorial; but we understand that here is destined to be reared the most stately monument in the Cemetery, and one of the largest in the country. Fancy a colossal monument of- we will say-one hundred feet in height, upon the elevated summit of PROSPECT HILL, and tell us would it not be an imposing structure ?
We are now standing on the east side of the CORNING plat; and our commanding position affords us a most charming view of the surround- ing country. To the northeast appears the city of Troy, pulsing with the excitement of its tumultu- ous thousands, and sending upwards, in fantastic disorder, its myriad hazy columns from the senti- nel-like chimnies of countless manufactories. Beyond are the ambitious mountains piling up to the clouds, and seeming, as they recede, to lose themselves in the embrace of the distant horizon. Nearer, we trace the course of the sinuous Hudson
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downward from the bustling city for several miles, until at last, with a sudden turn, it " silently steals away" behind the wooded islands to the south.
But let us leave these foreign attractions and turn our attention once more to the native beauties of this "Silent City." We will walk around the CORNING plat and gaze upon the memorial of an old Revolutionary hero.
Here we find a splendid Roman column to the memory of General PHILIP SCHUYLER, who lies beneath. The lot was recently dedicated to this purpose by the Trustees of the Cemetery, and the monument was erected by Mrs. W. STARR MILLER, a lineal descendant of the General. The name of SCHUYLER is intimately connected with the early history of Albany, and stands conspicuous in our Colonial annals. One of the ancestors of the Gen- eral was mayor of Albany and commander of the northern militia as far back as 1690. The General was born in Albany in 1733, and at an early age he began to display his active mind and military
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spirit. He was a captain in the New York levies at Fort Edward, in 1775, and accompanied the British army in the expedition down lake George in the summer of 1758. He was with Lord Howe when he fell by the fire of the enemy on landing at the north end of the lake ; and he was appointed to convey the body of that young and lamented nobleman to Albany, where he was buried, with appropriate ceremonies, in the Episcopal church. He was present at the capture of Burgoyne, and was highly complimented by that General for his urbanity of manner and chivalric magnanimity. A daughter of General SCHUYLER was married to the brilliant Alexander Hamilton, the victim of the unfortunate Hamilton-Burr duel.
The General was first interred in the VAN RENS- SELAER vault at Albany, and afterwards removed to a vault on these grounds, where he lay without a monument to mark his place of sepulture. That fact having recently been laid before the Trustees of the Cemetery, and also the fact that Mrs. W. STARR MILLER desired to erect to him a fitting
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memorial, it was decided by them to select a plat in a prominent location, wherein to
" Gather him to his grave again And solemnly and softly lay, Beneath the verdure of the plain, The warrior's scattered bones away."
The preamble to the resolutions presented by Judge Harris before the annual meeting, at which official action was taken upon the matter, contains the following :
"In the dim galleries of the past, where now hang the portraits which commemorate the good, the gifted, and the brave, who 'pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their honor' to the cause of liberty in the stormiest days of the Revolution, no one more deservedly challenges admiration than does that of him who only asks of us a grave. Among all those grand actors in the heroic history of our country, whose shadowy outlines are now but faintly visible through the smoke of revo- lution and the haze of an intervening century, surely none should be more proudly recognized by the citizens of Albany than General PHILIP
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SCHUYLER. It is eminently fitting that this beautiful city of the dead, so near to the home where he dwelt while living, and where slumber the descendants of friends and neigh- bors who stood, perchance with him, shoulder to shoulder in the contest of the past, should furnish for his remains a resting place."
Then followed resolutions, which were adopted, and the result of which confronts us here.
Now let us proceed round by the west side of CORNING to the famous "Angel at the Sepulchre." It adorns the lot of ROBERT LENNOX BANKS. Read the scriptural passage in which the artist found his inspiration, and judge for yourself of the success which has attended his efforts to embody the idea in stone:
" And behold there was a great earthquake; for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning and his raiment white as snow, and for fear of him the keepers did quake and become as dead men." 4
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The following description of the "Angel" in embryo, is from the pen of a competent art critic : " Being of the favored few who saw this in the clay, time can never efface the impressions pro- duced by that first view, while it was yet in an early stage of progress. Towards evening we went into the studio with the sculptor, who carried a lighted candle, and as we entered we saw before and above us, in the dim uncertain light, an imperfectly defined form of angelic strength and loveliness, which seemed gazing, with unlimited vision, far away into infinity, and behind it dark- ness and shadow, as of the unknown tomb. As we stood awe-struck and speechless, the statute seemed to live, the breast to heave, the face to be distinct with heavenly intelligence, and we waited, fairly expecting from the lips the imperishable inquiry, 'Why seek ye the living among the dead ?'"
As we turn from the peerless creation before us-a subject which, in the future, we will surely find an ever new delight-and look westwardly, we observe on our right, a short distance below, a
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pretty pear-shaped lakelet, surrounding a minia- ture island, luxuriantly clad in nature's green.
Its eminent adaptedness to the location would seem to indicate that it was one of the original contributions to the beauty of these highly favored grounds, with which the place has been so pro- fusely blessed by the great Architect.
There are other lakes here, wild and romantic, with the mark of Nature's handiwork still fresh upon them, that were evidently "born, not made." In this case, however, Nature simply pointed out the spot and left Art to improve upon the sug- gestion.
The construction and embellishment of the highly ornamental " CYPRESS WATER," was accom- plished at the cost of considerable labor and expense. It was commenced in November, 1869, and finished in the short time of one month, under the direction of Superintendent THOMAS.
You will perceive how admirably it harmo- nizes with the native conformation of the con- tiguous ground. Commencing at the head of
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COLD SPRING DELL, its graceful curves gradually diverge until finally its covers, with its aqueous contents, a space that a short time ago was entirely occupied by a disagreeable, unsightly, bog-hole.
A number of springs, issuing from under the little island in the centre, constitute its chief, though not its only source of supply. The copi- ous stream flowing through the Ravine, which separates the SOUTH and MIDDLE RIDGES, has, through the medium of a hydraulic ram, and a quarter of a mile of pipe, been made to do service as an auxiliary; and fully provides against any scarcity of water that might arise from a lack of sufficiency in its natural feeders.
The most gratifying feature of this improve- ment is the effect which it has had in enhancing the value of the lots in its vicinity. Ground which, a short time ago, was perfectly unsalable on any terms, is now eagerly sought after at prices ranging from one hundred to two hundred and fifty dollars for each lot of two hundred and fifty- six superficial feet. A useless swamp has given
Lith of G.W. Lewis 452 Broadway, Albany.
BRUMAGHIM.
4.
way to several sections of dry, eligible burial sites, which have been laboriously and patiently graded up and put in order for sale.
We will descend towards the lake, leaving SHER- WOOD and CONKLIN on the right. About half way down the slope we see the handsome lot of BRUM- AGHIM and its adornments, of which our manual presents a partial illustration. The two memorials which it contains, though small, are decidedly attractive. That principal headstone, with its delicate drapery, was evidently executed by an artist. As the declining sun irradiates the trans- lucent marble of which this little gem is composed, the effect is peculiar and striking. You will notice its attendant memorial, which represents a tree trunk, entwined in ivy, upon which perches a dove.
Now we see the monument of SALISBURY, the neat lot of BENDER, and a broken column to Col. HOWARD CARROLL, a distinguished officer in our late war, who was highly esteemed for his bravery and devotion to the cause.
Next we perceive the tastefully arranged circular 4*
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lot of DAWSON. Here is a soldier's monument upon which we read the name of Maj. GEORGE S. DAWSON; a young patriot than whom no victim of the rebellion was more deeply mourned by friends and fellow soldiers. He particularly dis- tinguished himself in the battles of the Wilder- ness, and his military record is made the subject of a poem by Albany's celebrated bard.
" All through the crimsoned wilderness he went, With strength untiring and with soul unbent, All through, all through, the same young brave, the same !
Through the fierce hurricane of blood and flame ! "
We have now reached " CYPRESSWATER," which has just been spoken of at length, and will cross to the opposite side of COLD SPRING DELL. If we should take the first turn beyond to the right into ROSELEAF AVENUE, thence into a portion of the TOUR, thence into PINE BOUGH AVENUE, we would find much to engross our attention. But as our route leads us in a different direction, we will simply tell you what may be seen by taking the trip mentioned.
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First on the right of Roseleaf Avenue is the ANDER- SON monument. Then the soldier's monument to Lieut. JAMES WILLIAMSON, another martyr to the rebellion. Back of this is a neat brown-stone to JOHN WILLIAMS, and a handsome marble obelisk to JOHN FAIRBURN. Opposite, next ahead, is ROSSMAN's low, durable gran- ite, with large urn.
. Then you see two fine circular lots on opposite sides of the avenue, that on the right belonging to STEPHEN MUNSON, a gentleman widely known in the shoe and leather market.
Winding to the right around MUNSON into a part of the Tour, the lot of S. CUNLIFF is seen. A little far- ther on is the large granite to General RICE, the hero of twenty hard fought battles. Its incriptions will interest you. Not one of Albany's patriots has left a more glorious record than the Christian soldier to whom this memorial is dedicated. From a private he rapidly rose, strictly upon his merits, to the rank of Brigadier- General. After passing through many sanguinary engagements, his twentieth battle brought with it the fatal ball. He was wounded in the thigh, and lived but two hours after undergoing the tortures of amputation. Mr. J. G. Holland thus poetically alludes to his last coherent expression, which is among the inscriptions upon his monument :
" ' TURN ME.' he said, ' THAT I MAY DIE FACE TO THE FOE"' and ready hands And loyal hearts were waiting by To execute his last commands.
"Facing the enemy he died A hero in his latest breath, And now with mingled love and pride I weep and boast his glorious death.
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"No braver words than these, my friend, Have ever sealed a soldier's tongue ; No nobler words hath history penned ; No finer words hath poet sung."
Opposite RICE is ROSELLE'S attractive granite. Soon you see the elegant monumental tribute, from his con- gregation, to Rev. J. N. CAMPBELL. One of the inscrip- tions reads as follows :
" As a preacher, he was pungent, logical, eloquent. As a minister of Christ, faithful unto death."
Now you pass the STEELE monument, and a little further on turn abruptly round the tall plain marble column of RIDDER, on left westerly into Forest Avenue. The Scotch granite of VAN DYCK, with its intense, mirror-like polish, is on your right. No other material combines more happily the elements of durability and beauty.
You advance past J. R. COLEMAN, H. J. COULDWELL and I. N. KEELER. Here is the monument of JOHN E. PAGE. In this lot is a pretty little morsel of sculpture inscribed to " Our dear little ELLA."
THOMPSON'S marble tree-emblem of an unfinished life-appears, then the monument of D. W. LAWYER, and the lofty granite shaft of THOMAS MCCREDIE. In this last are durability, beauty, and charming simplicity harmoniously blended. The monument is entirely plain, if we except the emblematic thistle which graces the shaft.
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