USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > St. Agnes' cemetery; its past and present associations; > Part 4
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125
M ICHAEL CLARKE was born in Bailliborough, County Cavan, Ireland, on St. Michael's Day. September 29, 1809. He left his native country in 1833. with his young wife, and came to America, making Albany his home. About the year 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 of generous impulses, always giving liberally to the church, and never found wanting when charity was in ques- tion. Mrs. Clarke died in 1871, and the business 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 St. Mary's congregation for a school build- ing. Mr. Michael Clarke was very closely 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 D. 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 grocery 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 Van Buren, Azariah C. Flagg, William L. Marcy, William H. Seward, Washington Hunt, Silas Wright-indeed, all the great men of the day, statesmen, men of letters, editors, orators, scientists and philosophers. In every 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 popular. His genial and kindly face, his "good, grey head," his pleasant and pleasing manner, and his many acts of charity, carned for him the respect and consideration of all.
126
Michael' Elastic. .
CEMETERY AVENUE (FROM TROY ROAD).
CEMETERY AVENUE
(FKOM TROY ROAD).
UR feelings instinctively declare that not amid the heartless din, the hurrying bustle and selfish turmoil of a great city is the 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 sweetly rustle in peaceful requiem above their rest. Nor this alone, but bereave- ment, too, should have a quiet place like this, away from the confusion of the crowded streets and the unfeeling elamor of trade, where it may shed its tears, lift its prayers, or sing its immortal hopes. Our beautiful cemetery 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 pass 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 way ?"
" 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 place ?" " 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!"
"Then, must I knock or call when just in sight ?" " They will not keep you standing at that door! "
"Shall I find 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 come! "
-Christina Rossetti.
131
AMES D. CLARKE was born in Albany, August 4, 1846. His father was Michael Clarke, a man who was highly respected and endeared to his associates for his probity of character. For many years the father was closely connected with St. Mary's church, and widely known as a generous contributor and hearty sympathizer in all projects for its advancement. He also was, for years, proprietor of the "Old State Grocery," on Pine and Lodge streets. The son, James D. Clarke, received his early education at Mr Maloney's school, which was held in the basement of St. Mary's church. Later, he attended Holy 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 industry that characterized it before. Mr. Clarke was an honorary member of the Albany Burgesses Corps, a military organization which holds a prominent place in the history of this city. He was also a well known and esteemed member of the Dongan Club. He was married to Adeline V. Bernier, of Albany, on March 3, 1878, at St. Joseph's church, and had one son, James D. Mr. Clarke died on November 22, 1893, and was survived by his son, widow and a sister, Mrs. M. S. MeGue, 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."
132
James L. Charlie.
THE JOHN MCARDLE LOT.
THE JOHN MCARDLE LOT
NE of the most attractive and by far the largest lot in St. Agnes' Cemetery is that of the late well-known and popular Colonel John McArdle. The lot extends north and south. The north third Mr. MeArdle devoted to the Sisters of Charity and the south third to the orphans. His own grave is in the middle plot, surrounded by 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 symbolie representations of the four apostles, guarding the tomb of this hon- ored dead. At the middle entrance there stands finely 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. MeArdle'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
OHN MCARDLE was born May 1, 1814, in Albany, and died Sep- tember 10, 1874. His father was Joseph MeArdle, of Dundale, County Louth, Ireland. 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 business 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 fixed 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, John McArdle, was no less prominent or enterprising than the father. He was always fond of military life, and at an early 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, under Walker, in his Nicaraguan 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 offi- cers. 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 instinet and great industry, to amass a fortune, which he at all times used for the most worthy and charit- able purposes. At his death he bequeathed to St. Vincent's Orphan 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 testimony, and reveals the kindness of heart in a man whom those little ones must always remember.
138
John . He Strelle.
T THIS LOT
KOHN H. FARRELL
JOHN H. FARRELL.
JOHN IL. FARRELL
N one of the most secluded and beautiful parts of St. Agnes Cemetery is the lot owned by John H. Farrell. Mr. Farrell's father and mother are buried here, and also, Thomas Connolly a reporter who died while in Mr. Farrell's employ. The "Perpetual Care" sign upon the plat is an indication of the loving thought given to those who have passed away, that their last resting place may always receive proper care and attention. Massive granite steps lead up from the driveway. The plat is situated on an elevation overlooking the valley of the Hudson, and here, while one's eyes rest on so much that is lovely in nature, the sweet quiet of the place charms our thoughts away from the fading beauties of this life to that life beyond the grave that is everlasting and beautiful beyond the power of inan 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."
143
JOHN HENRY FARRELL .- Among the officers of St. Agnes Cemetery no one has been more earnest, devoted, painstaking and persevering in promoting the development of that pictu- resque spot than its present treasurer. John Henry Farrell. He was born on the banks of the Hudson river about four miles below Albany, Septem- ber 1. 1839. When thirteen years of age he entered the office of Hon. Hugh J. Hastings, then editor of the Albany Knickerbocker. After remain- ing with him about two years he became connected with The Country Gentleman, the well-known agricultural paper. He was associated with that paper until 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 Albany. This he continued to do, in addition to his regular duties, until January 1, 1870, when he succeeded the lon. 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. He 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 11, 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 March, 1891, 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, consolidating 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 Company, 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 instit11- tions. St. John's College, Fordham, conferred upon him the degree of A. M., in 1891. Mr. Farrell married, in June, 1869, Miss Mary V. Gibbons, of Fordham, New York City. They have been blessed with seven children, three boys and four girls.
144
STUART-DELERAN
STUART-DELEHANTY.
STUART-DELEHANTY
MONUMENT in the original 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 by 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 closely 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 trustee in 1881, 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.
149
ON. MICHAEL DELEHANTY. 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 County, 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 Green and Beaver streets, and it is an interesting fact, that for more than half a century he has condneted such business in the city of his adoption, in connection with his filling successfully and honorably several municipal offices. On account of his rare executive ability, his excellent judgment and his great worth, Mr. Delehanty's advice and council have been much sought after, both in polities and in business affairs. In January, 1892, he was appointed, by Gov. 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, Mr. Delehanty married Miss Mary Quinn, of Albany. They have been blessed with eleven children. Daniel, his oldest son, is now a Lieu- tenant Commander in the United States Navy. His daughter, Julia, is the wife of United States Senator Edward Murphy, Jr., of Troy, who is widely known as a most influential Democratic leader. Mr. Delehanty possesses agreeable qualities, both of a social and business nature, with warm, kindly feelings and generous impulse, which renders him popular with all classes of Albanians. He has been an officer of St. Agnes' Cemetery Association since 1881. In 1892, Mr. Delehanty retired from active business and was. succeeded by his son, John S. Delehanty.
150
. Michael Falchanty.
3
DAGOBERT ZEISER.
DAGOBERT ZEISER
A® TALL, graceful column, surmounted by a cross, marks the plat in St. Agnes' Cemetery owned by Dagobert Zeiser. It is a com- manding site, as the view 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 valley. The lofty proportions of the Zeiser monument are conspicuous from nearly every part of the Cemetery. Dago- bert Zeiser, who has had such a long and successful career as a merchant, was born in Germany, December 13, 1841, and came to this country at the age of eighteen. He was the son of John Baptist Zeiser and Caroline Miller. When he arrived in Troy he found himself penniless, and so hired out as a farm hand, working for two years. In the fall of 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 169th Regiment, N. Y. V., serving for two years and five months, being honorably discharged from the service on January 5. 1865. He then returned to Troy after a most creditable war record, giving the very best evidence possible of his devotion 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 position. Ever devoted to his business, displaying in all transactions rare skill, matured experience and unblemished integrity, Mr. 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 Josephine C. Reinhart, and has been blessed with fifteen children. all living except two.
155
B RYAN MULDERRY was born in Westmeath county, Ireland, in 1833. He came to this country in the year 1854, locating in 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 St. Joseph's church, Mr. Mulderry being always a ready 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, by 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. 1884, 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."
150
Bryan Mulderry.
-
MULDERRY
S MULBERRY
BRYAN MULDERRY.
BRYAN MULDERRY
ATURE, on whose bosom repose thousands of those who sleep in eternal rest, takes our dead in charge and makes these spots beautiful with her greatest charms. The peacefulness of effect. the harmony of arrangement, the magnificent view of mountain and river that winds its way through shady wood and grassy banks, is assisted by art in the beautifying 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 entering St. Agnes' Cemetery, one approaches the Mulderry monument. It consists of a graceful shaft beneath which rests the remains of Bryan Mulderry. The family name appears on the base of 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. These evidences of humane care and love, together with the sculptor's art, have made this one of the most attractive spots in the Cemetery.
161
HOMAS W. CANTWELL was born at Albany, May 1. 1845. At the age of twelve, he was appointed page in the Assembly, under Speaker Littlejohn, 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 issued 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 faine as a most skillful expert in the detection of bogus bank bills. When the National Bank issue came into existence, he was selected by the government to pass upon disputed cases brought before the United States Courts. He soon found his services in demand throughout the country, in cases of skillful forgeries of signatures and handwriting generally, his opinion being looked upon by court judges and juries as unerring. He was engaged by Governor Tilden to assist in unearthing the dark secrets of the canal ring of 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 house and thence to the Albany City and National Exchange Banks, he went into the banking business for himself. 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. association, a trustee of St. Agnes' 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 broad 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 wise man's maxim, that "a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and that loving favor is better than gold."
162
AGNES
CEMETERY
THE ORIGINAL GATEWAY
THE ORIGINAL GATEWAY
HE ORIGINAL ENTRANCE to St. Agnes Cemetery was erected in 1867, the same year in which the Association was formed. The accompanying illustration to this picturesque gateway is among the finest in the collection, the niceties in distinction of light and shade being clearly discernible. The design is simple and unpretentious, and in 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 larger 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 roadway, leading up to the entrance from the Troy road. This road is probably one of the most picturesque in the country, with its overhanging canopy of trees that bend and almost touch each other. On either side are broad walks leading up to the cemetery, making a charming picture of natural beauty and artistic cultivation.
167
THE PRESENT ENTRANCE
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 by cut margins with the words "St. Agnes" cut upon 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 ornamental 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.
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