USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > A hand book for the Albany Rural Cemetery : with an appendix on emblems > Part 3
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Opposite and ahead is W. P. IRWIN's tall marble, around which you may turn into another part of Rose- leuf Avenue. Moving westerly you see the brown stone, with urn, of JOHN ZEH, and on the next corner ahead, at the Tour, is the PARKE monument.
Here turn northerly into the Tour, and notice the
flc Gredte.
Lich of G W Lewis 4532 Fraction Albany
[ WOOSTER
Lith of G.W. Lewis 452 Broadway, Albany.
WOOSTER.
45
marble of ABSALOM ANDERSON, the monument of JOHN STACKPOLE, and that of GUNSALUS and PERRIGO. The names of TURNBULL, COOPER and KINNEY, will then be seen.
Leaving CYPRESS WATER behind, we proceed on the TOUR, past ROSELEAF AVENUE, to the next right hand turn which we take around TEN EYCK. Several neat lots are passed, and then our path is intercepted by another portion of the TOUR. A marble monument on the right hand corner, at the junction, bears the name of JACOB SLACK.
We turn to the left, northerly, and read the names of QUINN, WOOD and AIKEN. Before us is WOOSTER'S imposing figure of Hope, a produc- tion which we will study with more than ordinary pleasure. The figure stands upon an octagonal pedestal, richly wrought in emblematic vines and flowers. It commands universal admiration.
Southwest of WOOSTER, and facing that portion of the TOUR which we have recently left, is the very touching little memorial of STICKNEY. Although it is off our route, we will take this
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short cross road to the left and reach it. It is a monumental headstone, with a niche in front con- taining the standing figure of a child. Upon a scroll above, interlaced with a garland of flowers, the simple inscription "IDA " appears. Those three solitary letters speak more forcibly to the heart, and are more suggestive of real grief and never-dying love than the most fulsome epitaph. But we will return to WOOSTER.
The western terminus of EVERGREEN PATH, a most enchanting walk, is on our right. Before resuming our course northerly from WOOSTER'S figure, we will tell you what may be seen upon the path named.
As you enter, the charming vista directs your eye through its gradually narrowing lines, which seem in the distance to complete their convergence and shut out all beyond. The first monument seen is that of GROES- BECK, and then the names of BEEBE, MCMILLAN, FORD, Cox and BOYLE are read.
The next attraction is the large rustic granite cross to Col. GEORGE W. PRATT, who was a gallant soldier, a distinguished linguist, and a young man of great ability and promise.
Cross an intersecting road and you will observe a pretty little piece of sculpture, to " EMMA," on the lot of
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WM. N. STRONG. The handsome monument of SMITH is seen, and then the memorials of NOYES, JOHN KEN- NEDY, OSBORNE, JOHNSTON and BECKER. In going fur- ther on in this path you will see nothing more of importance but what our general route will bring to your notice.
Leaving WOOSTER on the left, we continue northerly in the TOUR, past the octagonal shaft of JOHN MOORE, and then read the names of WINNE, GLADDING and P. P. STAATS. The monuments of JOHN ELLERY, J. A. BUCKBEE and JOHN L. STAATS are passed.
Now come four hedge-enclosed lots, the last of which is adorned by the granite monument of GEORGE I. AMSDELL. Next is the solid marble of T. M. AMSDELL. As we follow on, the TOUR takes an easterly sweep, and moving by the lots of STEVENS and ELMENDORF, and JOHN S. DICKER- MAN-a name well known to many who have been obliged to commit their worldly effects to the ten- der mercies of the highest bidder-we turn sharply to the right into LAWN AVENUE.
Our course now, for a short distance, is south- erly. First, on our right, is FELTMAN'S marble;
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and the names of COWELL, LANSING and JAMES D. JONES appear before we reach the large oblong plat of A. S. CLARK, J. AUSTIN and J. J. AUSTIN. Beyond this is MERRIFIELD'S monument, and back of the latter stands CHESTER PACKARD'S tall marble. In the PACKARD lot is a winged figure.
We continue past C. A. JONES, D. A. SMITH, P. W. HOLMES and C. H. WINNE. KNOWLTON and CARY are on our right.
Soon LAWN AVENUE winds easterly and brings us back of HIGHLAND WATER, a circular lakelet, which, like CYPRESS WATER, is thickly populated with different families of the finny tribe. The gold fish seem to be the lords of the colony. If you are interested in the study of ichthyology you will enjoy a call upon the glistening nobility of this little aquarium. You may pass between the intervening lots, and by means of the steps which descend to it, find footing on a level with the water. If none of the inhabitants are immediately visible, a pebble thrown upon the bosom of the pond, near you, will cause them to promptly rise
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and swarm to your feet. Now take a crumb of almost anything that is eatable, hold it near the surface of the water, and see how long it will re- main before some veteran golden-coated epicure will dart forward and unceremoniously snap from your fingers the coveted morsel. If your first advances should fail to induce the piscatorial familiarity intimated, you will please not accuse us of insinuating a "fish story," for really these little gourmands are remarkably tame. Probably the habit so extensively indulged in by visitors, of feeding them with titbits brought along for the occasion, explains the phenomenon.
Now if you have said good bye to our aquatic friends, and returned to LAWN AVENUE, we will again move easterly. To the right is a small un- attractive monument to SAMUEL SAGUE. "Sam.," as he was popularly called, was an oracle among horsemen, a wit of the first water, and a person as extensively known, perhaps, in his day, as any similar character.
As we progress, the gothic monument of EDSON.
5
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with its sarcophagus, appears on our left. Opposite, and almost hidden by tall evergreens, is the lot in which are entombed the heads of four generations of the famous Albany house of VAN RENSSELAER. It is possible, although not certain, that this lot also contains the remains of KILLIAN VAN RENS- SELAER, the original patroon, whose record, as you are well aware, forms an important and interesting part of our colonial history. Hon. D. D. Barnard, in a discourse upon STEPHEN VAN RENSSELAER (one of the four STEPHENS to whom we have before alluded as being buried here), who died in 1839, says of KILLIAN :
"The power of the patroon of that day was analogous to that of the old feudal barons - acknowledging the government of New Amster- dam and States General as his superiors. He had his own fortress, planted with his own cannon, manned with his own soldiers, with his own flag waving over them. The courts of the colony were his own courts, where the gravest questions and the highest crimes were cognizable; but with
HOWE. ROBINSON.
Lith of G.W.Lewis 452 Broadway, Albany.
ROBINSON -HOWE .
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appeal in the more important cases. Justice was administered in his own name. The colonists were his immediate subjects, and took the oath of fealty and allegiance to him."
Our next advance brings in view the plain, attractive lot of SAMUEL H. RANSOM. The large obelisk of Quincy granite which adorns it, is by many considered the best proportioned monument in the Cemetery.
We continue on past ESMAY, VAN LOON and WOOLVERTON, and soon come to the junction of three roads. Before us is the brown-stone of WM. SHEPPARD, and opposite, on our right, is the mar- ble monument of B. C. BRAINARD. That narrow road in front of BRAINARD, which leads north- easterly around SHEPPARD, will bring us into ROSELAND WAY. We will take it, and see the monument of J. H. TEN EYCK; and opposite this a very striking little structure of polished Scotch granite, surmounted by a chaste marble figure. It is the memorial of ROBINSON and HOWE, and is one of the most delightful little specimens we have
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yet seen. The great admiration it receives is partly due to the fact that it embodies that highly appro- priate idea for a cemetery memorial - Remem- brance. The darker color of the polished pedestal gives pleasing prominence to the pure white mar- ble figure, so sweet in expression, graceful in form and pose, and perfect in finish.
Immediately back of ROBINSON and HOWE, near the small HENDRICKSON marble, lies HENRY T. MEECH. "HARRY" MEECH was well known in Albany as the popular proprietor and manager of the old Museum, during the prosperous days of that institution.
In front of ROBINSON is WINNE's free-stone, and the marble structure of JAMES MORROW can be seen to the right. We wind around WINNE, and observe a venerable brown-stone, which, through its weather-beaten appearance, speaks of many years' service. Among other names, it preserves that of Col. HENRY QUACKENBUSH, who "was with Lord Amherst at Ticonderoga, with General Gates at Saratoga, in the days that tried men's
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souls." We also glean from the stone that "his servant and faithful slave, "NANCY," is buried here.
The TOUR is met once more. If we look west- erly from the junction we will see, not far away, a fine substantial marble mausoleum. It belongs to the SEYMOUR family. We purpose proceeding towards it, but not before at least speaking to you of certain attractive objects located east from QUACKENBUSH, to our right on the TOUR, and also on the first converging road beyond. The little trip alluded to cannot be conveniently made in a carriage, because the turn from the TOUR into the road last mentioned is too sharp to admit of a connexion by that means.
The first object that arrests the eye east of QUACK- ENBUSH is a most faithful imitation of a tree trunk, in brown-stone. It was erected by Dr. ARMSBY. The appropriate color of the material, the climbing vines behind, and the green moss clinging to the front, com- bine to give it a wonderful resemblance to the lower portion of a living tree.
Opposite ARMSBY is the granite of L. SPRAUGE PAR- SONS, and next is STIMSON's neat memorial. On the right is MCINTYRE's marble sarcophagus. This is one
5*
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of the many superior specimens which have come from the hands of Launitz, of New York. In the same lot is HENDERSON'S figure. DUNLOP's brown-stone is ahead, and then comes the monument to JOHN I. WEN- DELL, who for several years was an active and efficient member of the Albany Cemetery Association, and one of the most devoted friends of the institution represented by that body. The sentiments of the board towards a departed brother are fittingly perpetuated in an inscrip- tion upon the stone. Dr. PETER WENDELL, who in the early part of the present century was one of Al- bany's most distinguished physicians, occupies a place in the same lot.
This locality is called Roseland Hill. Here is another lovely view of Consecration Lake. Ravine Crossway opens on the left. Upon it are some fine monuments. There is the brown-stone of REED and SPELLMAN, the granite of CYRUS HAWLEY, and beyond the names of DAVIS and WILKINSON may be seen. The circular lot of B. P. LEARNED, with its octagonal shaft of granite, is farther on, and still ahead the names of WM. MCELROY, RUFUS W. PECKHAM and FORSYTH appear.
Now from ROSELAND WAY we turn towards SEYMOUR'S structure, winding around POWERS on our left. Passing WM. NEWTON, the monument of D. LATHROP is observed, and here is the mauso- leum - a very creditable piece of architecture - which we have before noticed at a distance. This short cross road to the left is called OAK FOREST WAY. Proceeding in this we see NEWTON's gran-
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ite, and after crossing another portion of the TOUR, past the free-stone of ADAMS and HUN, and the marble of SANFORD, we meet GREENWOOD AVE- NUE, which we turn into northwesterly. The lot of TILLINGHAST is observed, and also that one, neatly coped, of DEY ERMAND and SPELLMAN. Opposite this last is the broken column - an emblem which, perhaps, you will think too fre- quently repeated on these grounds - to ALEXAN- DER CAMPBELL, and beside it a marble obelisk to DANIEL CAMPBELL, erected by the young men of Albany. On this side of the latter an inscription preserves an enduring record of the deed, while a figure of Grief occupies a niche on the reverse.
Next comes GOODWIN's low granite, and oppo- site is the memorial of ADAM TODD. We move along by ROBINSON'S free-stone, and the lot of ALFRED MOSHER. Here is VAN ANTWERP'S winged figure. It is a fine piece of sculpture, and one which demands more than a transient glance. We might look upon it as the guardian angel of the locality.
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Keeping on, we see DENNISON's monument, and the pretty Gothic marble of EDWARD OWENS. Here is CRUTTENDEN'S cross, and now we pause for a moment before the KING monuments. That soldier's memorial is to ROBERT H. KING; and those devices upon its face are intended to represent certain testimonials presented to him during the late war, by our Navy Department, as a recognition of his gallant conduct and patriotic services. Upon the other side is VAN DER WERKEN'S small marble, and ahead are the monuments of TOWNSEND, Mo- ELROY and MARTIN. The obelisk of GEORGE F. GRAY is seen, and then, on the left, a lot contain- ing a marble monument and enclosed by a curv- ing iron fence. This is WILLIAM J. WALKER'S.
Here is the TOUR again. We will turn round WALKER and advance in it southerly. The lot of CRAPO is passed, and the monuments of JOHN FEATHERLY and FRISBY. A headstone here com- memorates the brave Col. EDWARD FRISBY, who was killed near Crentreville, Va., while leading his regiment to assault.
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Not far ahead is the brown-stone to Captain THOMAS BAYEUX-a tribute from the Albany Burgess Corps. Directly east of this is a novel rustic monument to the brothers JAMES L. and JOHN M. DEMPSEY, the one of whom received fatal wounds at the battle of Cedar Creek, the other in an assault on Fort Fisher before Petersburg.
We next see the MIX lot and its five superb headstones. On again, past JAMES MIX, LONG and SILSBY, BISHOP, GOWER, COOK, WINTERS, CHASE, CUSHMAN, BURHANS, and we are before GILES W. PORTER'S very odd looking structure. To our right is HIGHLAND WATER, which we have previously seen from the other side, and opposite is the marble cottage monument of BULLION. One of a num- ber of modest headstones here commemorates "Father;" and Reverend PETER BULLION lies beneath. By how many thousands is that name associated with vivid recollections of weary hours and days spent in endeavoring to elucidate gram- matical conundrums. Fifteen years ago, BULLION'S grammar was almost an indispensable instrument
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in the hands of those who essayed to develop the young idea. Although it has since lost something of its popularity, it still holds an honored place among the text books of the period.
Next to BULLION is WEED'S marble monument. Many ridiculous notions have prevailed concerning the meaning of the figure by which it is sur- mounted. It is intended to illustrate some Scrip- tural idea; but what that idea is, we have been unable to discover. The memorial is very neat and appropriate.
Still on in the TOUR we observe the names of COBB, HAMILTON, MARTIN, VISSCHER and WILSON. Then a large irregular lot, dotted with brown-stone monuments of all shapes and sizes, is noticed on our left. This is the JAMES lot. A new structure, in keeping with its neighbors, bears the name of Rev. WILLIAM JAMES, an eminent divine who died recently.
Opposite the JAMES lot, on our right, lies Dr. WILLIAM BAY, who, at the time of his death, was one of the oldest-if not the oldest-of the medi-
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cal fraternity in Albany. Dr. BAY was one of the most distinguished of that school of physicians who won "golden opinions" in this vicinity in the early part of the present century.
We are now in OAKWOOD FOREST. Leaving JAMES and passing a few small monuments on our right and an oblong plat surrounded by an iron fence, we find that the TOUR crosses GREENWOOD AVENUE. We turn into the latter round the small marble to the WADDELL family, on our right. On the left is the lot of JOHN J. HILLS. It con- tains two monuments-one to ISAAC MCMURDY and one to SARAH M. CARSON. Years ago, when really fine monuments were rare on these grounds, the drapery of this last was much admired; but the fact that many finer specimens and far greater attractions are now to be found here, has rather tended to cast it in the shade.
On again southerly, in GREENWOOD AVENUE, and we see a small brown-stone to the widow of DANIEL STEELE. Opposite is the large irregular plat of KIDD, TEN BROECK and others.
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You will realize from the familiar appearance of the objects around us that we were in this vicinity at a previous point in our ramble; but as this is the first instance in which we have brought you twice over the same road, you will probably not complain that the trip has been monotonous.
Let us move easterly around KIDD and, passing the monument of B. C. BRAINERD, which is one of those we have before seen, continue on, by EVERTSON and the splendid granite obelisk of MITCHELL and CUNNINGHAM, to the low brown- stone in the lot of HALL and FRY.
Now we see, at some distance to the left, and standing on the TOUR beyond, the brown-stone vault of WING. We will take this sharp turn northerly, and, pausing before the WING vault, notice opposite the marble of ROGERS. Directly behind this is BRITTON's urn-crowned memorial. Near by the latter is the vault of NARCISSE REMOND. The monument of Rev. ISAAC N. WYCKOFF is left behind, and as we descend, fol-
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lowing the easterly sweep of the TOUR, the names of JAMES WILSON, SIDNEY GUEST, and DONCAS- TER appear.
We are leaving the southern division of the grounds. Our descent is becoming precipitous ; and, as the verdant bluff rises abruptly to right and left and the densely wooded hills grow rapidly over us, our sense of seclusion-that feeling ever sweet to the meditative mind-is agreeably inten- sified with every step. We are on one of those sequestered roads which contribute so much to the attractiveness of this " garden of graves," and of which, with fast increasing pleasure, we will see more, as we progress. Although so far, much of art has come under our observation-and some- thing too, perhaps, of human vanity-yet the most fascinating manifestations of nature, in her love- liest garb, are still in prospective. But we will an- ticipate no farther.
Still descending, we pass under Glen Cross Bridge, and, diving down yet deeper between the hills, we finally reach the terminus of the glade 6
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only to feast our eyes upon the romantic scenery of the deep-set, placid CONSECRATION LAKE.
It would seem as if this grand natural amphi- theatre might have been foreordained the scene of those solemn ceremonies which dedicated these grounds to the many dead. It was that scene at least; and here, while the flashing fountain-
" Like sheet lightning Ever brightening With a low melodious thunder "
whispers its hospitable greeting, we will avail our- selves of the ample accommodations for repose which the place affords the visitor, and beguile our half hour's rest by looking back upon the most memorable event in the history of the Rural Cemetery.
The following extracts are taken from a report of the consecration ceremonial, which appeared in the Albany Argus, of Oct. 8th, 1844. This report was published many years ago in pamphlet form, but the little work is now probably out of exist- ence. If you have never before read the beautiful
CONSECE
TOUR
Lith of G.W. Lewis 452 Broadway. Albany.
EN LAKE
أ
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hymn of Miss Woodbridge, or the admirable ded- icatory poem of Alfred B. Street, which consti- tuted a part of its contents, you will, no doubt, think with us that these waifs, at least, are well worth the saving:
"The ceremonial of the consecration of the grounds selected by the Albany Cemetery Associa- tion, for a general place of burial, took place yes- terday, agreeably to the published arrangements. The civic and religious ceremonies were all appro- priate, impressive, happily conceived and most happily carried out by the gentlemen to whose hands the duty was confided, and were in admira- ble adaptation to an occasion, which will be mem- orable in the history of our ancient but steadily advancing metropolis.
" The very great concourse of citizens who visited the grounds on the occasion-the large number of ladies-the general turnout of military companies, firemen and civic associations-were in themselves encouraging indications of the general interest felt in the success of this important undertaking-
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and, we are sure, may be regarded as an earnest of a determination among all sects and classes of our citizens to unite cordially in carrying out to a suc- cessful issue, one of the greatest public enterprises of which our city can boast.
"The duties of Marshal were well discharged by General Rufus King, assisted by several gentlemen. The Rev. Dr. Welch and T. W. Olcott, Esq., were the efficient committee of arrangement.
"The place selected and prepared for the cere- monial, was in one of those secluded and beautiful spots with which the location abounds-being a level but irregular space of about half an acre, en- closed on the south by an abrupt and thinly- wooded hill. On the north, hills of a less elevation enclosed the area, and nearly through the centre runs a clear stream of water, which even at this season of the year, holds on its course, and is in- deed perennial. Upon this area, were temporary seats, skirting the foot of the hill on the south, and admirably arranged all over it to command a
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view of the staging from which the speakers were to address the multitude.
" Long before the procession reached the ground, these seats were occupied-hundreds having pre- ceded the train, and the larger portion of them ladies, and taken possession. The scene presented, as the escort came up and opened for the passage of the procession, was indescribable. The solemn, dirge-like music-the heavy measured tread and gay uniform of the military and firemen-the gorgeous foliage, which at this season distinguishes our rural scenery-the romantic wildness of the place itself-and the large concourse assembled- all conspired to give to the scene an impressive and sublime character.
" The military, firemen, ladies and citizens hav- ing taken the positions assigned them-and nothing could exceed the order and decorum with which everything was done-the full and rich harmonies of one of the best bands to which we ever listened, gave place to the vocal music from a choir of sev- eral hundred singers, who, under the lead of Mr. 6*
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R. Packard, sang in full chorus, a Hymn, written by Miss Sarah McDonald, of the Female Academy, to the tune of Rosseau's Dream.
"The Consecrating Prayer, by the Rev. Dr. Sprague, was highly appropriate and impressive, and was listened to with reverent and profound attention.
"The following Hymn, written by Miss A. D. Woodbridge, of the Female Academy, was then sung by the choir :
" This holy ground beneath our feet, These gentle sloping hills above, These silent glades and valleys sweet, Shall be the home of those we love.
" Above their couch shall flow'rets bloom- Dear, precious flowers, that droop and die, 'Tis fit that ye should wreathe the tomb, Where those we best have loved, shall lie.
" But they shall wake when o'er the earth Time's last receding wave shall roll; Shall share in an immortal birth, The changeless spring-time of the soul.
" Then let us learn to bear aright Life's weary weight of pain and care, Till, with our heavenly home in sight, This last and dreamless couch we share.
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" Oh ! let us see thy glory here, Our Father ! and we'll kiss the rod ; We leave ourselves, and all most dear, With Thee, our Saviour and our God!
"The Poem, by A. B. Street, Esq. (to whom we are indebted for a copy) was then pronounced, as follows:
" When life's last breath has faintly ebb'd away, And nought is left but cold unconscious clay, Still doth Affection bend in anguish deep, O'er the pale brow to fondly gaze and weep. What tho' the soul hath soar'd in chainless flight, Round the spurn'd frame still plays a sacred light, A hallow'd radiance never to depart, Pour'd from its solemn source the stricken heart. Not to the air should then be given the dead, Not to the flame, nor yet cold ocean's bed, But to the earth-the earth from whence it rose, There should the frame be left to its repose.
" There the great Mother guards her holy trust, Spreads her green mantle o'er the sleeping dust ; There glows the sunshine-there the branches wave, And birds yield song, flowers fragrance round the grave.
There oft to hold communion do we stray, There droops our mourning memory when away, And e'en when years have pass'd, our homeward feet Seek first with eager haste that spot to greet, And the fond hope lives ever in our breast When death too claims us, there our dust shall rest.
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" All these fair grounde with lavish beauty spread, Nature's sweet charms-we give them to the dead ; Those swelling uplands, whence the raptured sight Drinks in the landscape smiling rich and bright, Woodlands and meadows, trees and roofs and rills, The glittering river, and the fronting hills ; That nestling dell, with bowery limbs o'erhead, And this its brother opening to the tread, Each with its naiad tripping low along, Striving to hide, but freely offering song; Those old deep woods, where Nature wild and rude,
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