USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > St. Agnes' cemetery; its past and present associations; > Part 2
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WILLIAM CASSIDY +
WILLIAM CASSIDY.
WILLIAM CASSIDY
N THE LOT where the remains of the brilliant editor, William Cassidy, are interred, stands an imposing 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 by a flight of stone steps of handsome design and artistic finish. Near by this imposing monument are the plots in which repose the remains of men closely identified with the work of St. Agnes' Cemetery, namely, John Tracey, John Stuart, John Mullon, Patrick McHugh, Thomas Mattimore, William D. Morange and Peter Cagger.
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ILLIAM CASSIDY, second president of St. Agnes' Cemetery Association, was born in Albany on August 12, 1815. 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. Cassidy was reared in the Catholic faith of his fathers and was educated at the Albany Academy, under Dr. Beek, until the age of sixteen. He then went to Union College, Schenectady-Dr. Eliphalet Nott 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 on the State commission to revise the constitution. He always shrank from publie office, his only ambition being to serve the people well through the columns of his newspaper. He died January 23, 1873, and was interred in St. Agnes' Cemetery, in which he always took the warmest interest.
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William Cassidy
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REV.CLERGY.
REV. CLERGY.
REVEREND CLERGY
HIS MASSIVE MONUMENT, surmounted by a Latin cross, stands in one of the most picturesque places in the Cemetery, and attracts universal attention by its commanding 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 elergymen 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 MeNeirny. It reads as follows : "Supplices Te rogamus, Domine, ut quibus Sacerdotate doniste meritum dones et praemium." Amen. The translation is : " We humbly beseech Thee, Lord, that to those Thou hast given a priestly race Thou wilt also grant reward." Amen.
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ENRY LUEKE was born in Brakel, Westphalia, Prussia, on February ist, 1808. In 1837 he sailed for New York and spent six years at his business of custom tailor. In 1843 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 panie 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 business at the age of 63. with a substantial competence. In October, 1887, Mr. and Mrs. 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 of his enjoyment, however, from reading history. Mr. Lueke is actively identified with the Holy Cross Church, and was its treasurer for thirty-four years. His exceptionally vigorous constitu- tion has always kept him hale and hearty and the marvel of his many friends, who naturally expected to find evidences of physical weakness and advanced age. He is the only remaining survivor of the original Board of Trustees of St. Agnes' Cemetery. His interest, active labors and zeal in promoting the interests of the Cemetery 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.
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.Henry Lucie.
RECEIVING VAULT.
RECEIVING VAULT
N THE DRIVE, leading up from the entrance gate, is the massive receiving vault, which presents a very handsome and artistic appearance, the facade being artistically designed and finished. It is surmounted by a rough hewn eross, beneath which, cut in the solid stone, are the words "St. Agnes." Small crosses decorate each side of the entrance. On 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.
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OHN MULLON was born in Tullamore, Kings County, Ireland, in 1816, and died in Albany at the age of 69. He came to this city in 1840, and soon after taking up 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 by his thorough business knowledge and enterprise, succeeded so well that a little later he entered the business of lumber shipping with his son-in-law, James Morris. After this, in 1872, Mr. Mullon became associated with the firm with which his name has been 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 purchased the entire plant. His name was always the synonym of energy and business integrity. and through his unremitting activity he became one of Albany's most reputa- ble and successful merehants. But Mr. Mullon was more than a business man. He was also a devout and earnest Catholic, being one of the original trustees of St. Joseph's church. 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 1884, he was elected a member of the Common Couneil 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. Mullon 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 eity, he was one of the trustees and remained the chairman of the executive committee until shortly before his death. lis 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.
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John Mullen.
SAPER MULLE
2006 6 1885-82 MARTHA MURO -- 2
GORDON
RICHARD A. GORDON.
RICHARD A. GORDON
Y A COMMANDING SITE, with a picturesque background, stands the noble sarcophagus, erected by Richard A. Gordon. It is the last 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 cross. typifying the laying down of the cross of life for the palm of eternity. Here is also the last dwelling place 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 J. O. Towner & Co., which position he held about ten years. He then entered the employment of the Quinn & 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 business operations. Mr. Gordon was married May 19, 1870, to Sarah Mclaughlin, of Albany, who died May 19, 1893. His second wife was Sarah V. Meegan, of Albany. They were married February 12, 1896.
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OHN BERNARD GORDON, first superintendent of St. Agnes' Cemetery, was born in the parish of Clougher. County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1811. 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 St. 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 St. Agnes' Cemetery constantly developed until it has acquired its present beau- tiful proportions.
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John B. Garden.
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THIS LT
MCHUGH-WOODS.
MCHUGH 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 St. 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.
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M ICHAEL MCHUGH was born in Ireland and came to this country when quite young: full of zeal and ambition he located in Albany in the dry goods 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 New York eity. The position being one of prominence Mr. MeHugh accepted, and after a period of several years, in which he won the confidence and esteem of trade in general, he severed his connection 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. Commeneing on an humble and unpretending 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 eireles. 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 Oswego, 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. MeHugh found another and congenial oeeupation 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 eity, 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.
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Michael. HeHugh
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t
ALTAR MONUMENT.
ALTAR MONUMENT
HIS MONUMENT is in the form of a baldachino, an altar tomb surmounted by a canopy. It is situated 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 beanty 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 St. Mary's Cemetery, which was on the site of the present Washington Park, to St. Agnes' Cemetery. It does honor both to the living who erected it, and to the dead who lie beneath.
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B ENJAMIN DAKIN JUDSON was born May 28. 1853. in the village of West Sandlake, N. Y., where his father, the late Benja- min Judson. M. D., who was a near relative of the noted mission- ary to Burmah, India, Rev. Adoniram Judson, D. D. practiced medicine for an unbroken period of over thirty years. His early education was acquired at the common schools of his native town and in the city of Troy. 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. Thomas, C. E., at West Sandlake, remaining under his tuition until Febru- ary, 1872, when he became assistant superintendent of the Albany Rural Cemetery, which position he occupied for a term of nearly ten years, resign- ing to become manager for a large monumental works. He was appointed superintendent and surveyor of St. Agnes' Cemetery in October, 1886. The improvements made upon the grounds of St. Agnes' can only be known and appreciated by those who remember its conditions and appearance eleven years ago. Now it ranks among the leading cemeteries of the country. 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 discussions 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, Mr. Judson has always taken a great interest in the cause of education, and after serving a five years' term as trustee under the common 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 School. In the year 1876, Mr. Judson was married to Miss Annabella Scarborough. Their family consists of two sons 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.
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P. S. Judson
PEYTON
THIS LOT
REV. JAMES J. PEYTON
REY. JAMES J. PEYTON
N 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 York 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 monument lies an exquisitely earved 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 eare" sign shows that loving hands are keeping watch over the last resting place of these dear ones, and that time cannot entirely erase from the mind the thoughtful and willing affections due to the memory of the departed.
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R EV. JAMES J. PEYTON was born in Queens Co., 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. He then became a student of St. Charles College, Md., and his unremitting study, perseverance and landable ambition to attain a high standing among his fellow students, were awarded with success during the six years of his study there. He passed from the Maryland College to St. Joseph's Seminary in Troy. Here his course of theological and philosophieal 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 McQnade, of Rochester. His first labors in the ministry was at St. Mary's church, Hudson, and afterwards St. Patrick's, West Troy. His next charge was at the church of St. Francis de Sales, West Albany, where he was beloved and esteemed by every mem- ber of his congregation. The latest charge conferred upon him was his appointment as rector of the Church of the Sacred 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 pursuing the studies in which he gained such distinction in college and seminary. Father Peyton is a nephew of the late Bishop Conroy, and is the favorite of all over whom he has had spiritual charge.
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Rer. James J. Peyton.
HOMAS BEHAN was born in Ireland, August 15, 1830. At an early age he came to the United States and settled in Albany, where he became associated as bookkeeper with the firm of Reed & 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 grounds, 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. Mary's church of Albany, and was a trustee for many years.
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HOMAS MATTIMORE was born in the year 1815, and died October 16, 1887. He came to Albany in 1831, and was for many years, and until his death, treasurer of St. Joseph's church. His long connection with that congregation was marked by his zeal and devotion 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 Catholic 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 Society. 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. Quiet 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, especially 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.
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.Thomas Multimore
RELY
WILLIAM KENNY.
WILLIAM KENNY
OCATED on the highest ground in St. Agnes', adjoining the Rural Cemetery, stands the Kenny monument. Rugged, massive, bold and impressive, it attracts the attention of all observers in this picturesque part of the grounds. It is of Barre granite, the design being a rustic boulder, ornamented upon the westerly side by a seroll bearing in raised letters the family name, over which are carved in bas relief oak leaves, with acorns and branches of the ivy vine.
The easterly side is embellished by a plain Latin eross wrought diago- nally upon 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 about it, shows the good taste and artistic mind of the owner. It stands like one of those grand old dolmens which may be found on the Norman and Brittany 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.
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