USA > New York > Albany County > Albany > St. Agnes' cemetery; its past and present associations; > Part 6
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220
Kypon Alony
AHERN
FARRELL
AHERN-FARRELL MONUMENT
AHERN & FARRELL
UR ILLUSTRATION should draw special attention to this ornate and shapely cross. It is hewn from the finest quality of granite and although very plain in design is in every sense of the word a masterpiece, or work of art. The style and design is particularly adapted to this lot, which is located in a part of the cemetery most frequented by those coming into the grounds. It stands near the main entrance and is surrounded by beautiful evergreens of which this part of the grounds abound. Mr. James Farrell, who erected the monument, is a well-known resident of Albany, having followed the contracting business here for many years, and is still to be found among the active contractors and builders of Albany.
O faithful Cross ! O noblest tree ! In all our woods there's none like thee; No earthly groves, no shady bowers Produce such leaves, such fruit, such flowers. Sweet are the nails, and sweet the wood, That bears a weight so sweet and good.
225
IEUT. THOMAS A. WANSBORO was born March 22, 1874. He graduated from the Christian Brothers' Academy with the class of '91. While still a student at the academy he tried the competitive examination for the West Point cadetship, offered by Congress- man Charles Tracey. Students from the C. B. A., the Normal College, the High School, the Albany Academy and the Troy Polytechnic Institute took the examination, but the students from the Brothers' Academy won. James Glavin, now a professor of a public school in West Albany, being first and Lieutenant Wansboro second. Mr. Glavin had no ambition for a military career and resigned his place. and thereupon Congressman Tracey appointed Mr. Wansboro. He
entered the West Point Military Academy in 1892 and graduated with the class of '96, standing well in his class. There were not vacancies sufficient in the army for all the cadets graduated that year, and. with a score or more of his classmates, he was commissioned an additional second lieutenant and assigned to the Sixteenth Infantry, stationed in the West. In the course of a few months he was commissioned a regular second lieutenant, his commission dating from June, 1896, and assigned to the Seventh regiment, with which command he served to the end. His regiment was one of the first ordered South and under the Hull reorganization law, increasing the regiments to their full strength, he was stationed at Knoxville, Tenn., to recruit for his regiment. He might have remained there still, but when his regiment was ordered to join the army of invasion he immediately applied to be relieved and, accordingly, was assigned to his regiment. He was a lieutenant of Company C, which lost many men during the engagement. The English army officer, Captain Arthur P. Lee, in his official statement observes: "Close in front of me a slight and boyish lieutenant compelled my attention by his persistent and reckless gallantry. Whenever a man was hit he would dart to his assistance, regardless of the fire that this exposure inevitably drew. Suddenly he sprang to his feet, gazing intently into the village, but what he saw, we never knew, for he was instantly shot through the heart and fell over backward, clutching at the air. I followed the men who carried him to the road and asked them his name. Second Lieutenant Wansboro, sir, of the Seventh Infantry, and you will never see his better. He fought like a little tiger. A few convulsive gasps and the poor boy was dead, and as we laid him in a shady spot by the side of the road, the sergeant reverently drew a handkerchief over his face and said: 'Good bye, Lieutenant. You were a brave little officer and you died like a soldier.' Who could have wished for a better end?" That occurred July first, eighteen hundred and ninety-eight, at 3 P. M., at El Caney, Cuba.
226
Lieut. Thomas I Winstore
O'BRIEN & NORTON
O'BRIEN & NORTON MONUMENT
O'BRIEN & NORTON
MONG THE MONUMENTS of St. Agnes Cemetery showing both skill and artistic taste in every outline is the one bearing the names O'Brien & Norton. It is situated in one of the most sightly places in the cemetery, "Near the MeArdle Lot," and faces the rising sun and the beautiful valley of the Hudson, while far beyond are the mountains outlined against the horizen. A more restful and beautiful spot would indeed be hard to find. The accompanying illustration of this massive monument speaks plainer than the pen can describe. The pose and grace of the figure which surmounts the whole is exceedingly fine and attracts the attention and admiration of all visitors to the cemetery grounds. Mr. Charles O'Brien is one of Albany's best known merchants, having been a resident of Albany for more than fifty years He is deeply interested in St. Agnes Cemetery, and his lot shows that it is watched over and cared for by careful hands.
231
OHN RILEY was born in Rensselaer County, at Stiles Corners. His parents moved to Troy shortly after his birth, and Mr. Riley made Troy his home ever afterwards. He was an inventor and mechanical engineer, and conducted large contracts, before and after the war, for the United States Government in the prosecution of public works in the south and west. He was identified with the Lillie safe works, was a member of the Stove Manufacturing Company, of Riley, Hay & McClunie, and was also largely interested in the manufacturing products of the Salamander Felting Company. Mr. Riley had an extensive acquaintance throughout the United States, particularly in the iron and oil manufacturing distriets. He is survived by his wife and also by two daughters, Mrs. Edward Molson of New York and Mrs. A. A. Zimmerman of Freehold, New Jersey, and one son, ex-Assemblyman James M. Riley of Troy. Mr. Riley was a worthy citizen, unostentations and genial. Mr. Riley died August 9, 1897, at his family residence, 2014 Fifth avenue, Troy, N. Y.
232
S
John Riley
-
KARRIGAN
HARRIGAN FAMILY MONUMENT
HARRIGAN FAMILY MONUMENT
HE ILLUSTRATION herewith presented to our readers of the Harrigan monument will no doubt figure among the most familiar views here found. The John McArdle lot, which is marked by the fourteen stations of the cross, is probably the best known lot in St. Agnes Cemetery, and the Harrigan lot joins it on the north. It stands in one of the sightly places of the cemetery and a fine view can be had away to the east, taking in the Hudson valley with its busy mills and continual stream of craft plying both up and down the river, while to the west from this lot one has a perfeet view of the new part of the cemetery grounds as well as a fair view of the Rural Cemetery, which joins St. Agnes on the north and west. The late John Harrigan was born August 15, 1819. He was a native of Craughberg, Parish of Adair, County Limerick, Ireland. He was the founder of the well-known undertaking establishment of John Harrigan Sons of Albany; he was quiet and unostentatious, with an admirable character. Mr. Harrigan died May 28, 1876. Mrs. Harrigan was Mary A. Quinn ; she was born in 1821 and died in 1891. Mary A. R., a daughter, died June 3, 1891, and John J. died August 22, 1893.
237
F RANCIS ROARKE was born in Ireland 69 years ago. He came to this country and located in Troy in 1854, and at the time of his death had been engaged in the optical business since 1857. Mr. Roarke died August 5, 1897, at the family residence in Troy, and in his death Troy lost an exemplary citizen. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, Miss Helen Roarke, and one son, Dr. Frank K. Roarke. Mr. Roarke, though quiet and unassuming, was nevertheless a deep student of passing events. He was upright and direct in his business career, and by close application had built up a good business and accumulated a considerable fortune. The memorial recently erected by Mrs. Roarke to perpetuate the memory of her husband will bear the closest study and the most intelligent criticisms. The design is a cross, simple in outline but rich in ornamentation. No matter how simple the form there are certain positive laws of art, such as the relation of part to part, etc., resulting in what we call proportion, which has been closely studied by the artist in this design, the ornamentations are marvels of accuracy and delicacy so chiseled as to give a soft effect as though modeled in clay rather than cut from granite. It was designed by Mr. D. C. Lithgow and executed by the Flint Granite Co.
238
ROARKE.
FRANCIS ROARKE
SMITH
-
REV. PHILIP J. SMITH
R EV. PHILIP J. SMITH was born at Bills, County Cavan, Ireland, in 1841, and his early education was received at a private school conducted by Rev. John King, a Presbyterian minister of that place. In 1857 he entered Kilmore Diocesan College, and three years later found himself within the historie walls of All Hallows College, Dublin, where he was ordained in 1866. He came to this country the same year and was appointed assistant pastor at St. Joseph's Church, Albany, and one year after was appointed pastor at Waterville, Oneida County, N. Y. Here he labored until 1874, when he was appointed pastor of St. Patrick's Church of this eity, which, under his wise and zealous administration, grew and flourished to a surprising extent. Father Smith was a familiar figure in Catholie Albany, and was noted for his racy humor and high scholarly attainments. He was an impressive and practical speaker and dealt always with live issues in his public utterances. Father Smith died in Albany, February 15, 1898, aged 56 years. Our illustration shows a very handsome monument which has been erected to the memory of Father Smith, showing the eross laid down to be replaced by the crown. The monument stands near the receiving Vault, and not far from the entrance, just to the right of the main drive. The monument is of the finest quality of granite, and while plain it is a masterpiece from an artistic point. The work was executed by William D. Hawe of Albany. Everything about the place is in keeping with good taste and the perpetual eare sign speaks for the future.
243
CLOSING REMARKS
A® S MUCH TIME is necessarily taken up in compiling and publishing a work of this character, it is only just to expect that many most important changes inust necessarily take place during such time. One of the saddest of such changes was the death of the amiable and scholarly editor, Mr. Myron A. Cooney. The last work of importance in which Mr. Cooney was interested was the editing of this work, and although he had no relatives buried there he was deeply interested in St. Agnes Cemetery, and made several journeys there and went over the grounds with Mr. Judson in order that he might possess a more thorough knowledge of its beauties and grandeur. His body now rests in one of the most picturesque and sightly parts of the cemetery grounds, and we can all join in saying "Requiescat In Pace." The names of James B. Lyon and John W. McNamara, two of Albany's well-known business men, have recently been added to the Board of Directors. Among the changes which have taken place at the grounds, one of the most important is the erection of a fine building which contains living apartments for use by some of the help, also very fine stables for horses used on the grounds as well as tool rooms and rooms for the convenience of the working force during stormy or cold winter weather, having ranges for cooking or warming food and provid- ing other luxuries which heretofore were unknown. Much credit is due the Superintendent, Mr. Judson, for the way in which this work, as well as the many permanent repairs to the grounds have been carried to completion. Although some people have an idea that the greater part of the cemetery grounds is occupied, there have been times within the last year when there
244
were more lots graded and ready for sale than there had been at any one time almost since the cemetery was started. This was due in a great measure to the foresight, good judgment and hard work of Mr. Judson in filling in and grading and eventually bringing from what almost seemed impossible chaos to beautiful avenues and lawns with every appearance of having received nature's most favored gifts. During the past year many have interested themselves in the perpetual care of their lots, and the result is indeed very gratifying to the Cemetery Association, as every lot placed under perpetual care adds one more to the already long list of names and helps just so much more to eventually make St. Agnes Cemetery one of the best kept and most beautiful cemeteries in the country. The founders of St. Agnes Cemetery endeavored to guard against carelessness, by providing a perpetual care fund, the interest of which would insure that every lot so placed would have proper care for all future time. The "Perpetual Care Fund" is kept distinct and the interest thereon expended on the lots included in Perpetual Care. The Superintendent, Mr. B. D. Judson, who has had more than twenty-eight years experience in connection with cemeteries, will cheerfully give any desired information about the care of lots. Improvements are constantly going on and with the mutual co-operation of the association and lot owners combined St. Agnes will soon be a source of constant pride to all lot owners as well as residents of Albany in general.
"Slumber. "
" He sees when their footsteps falter, when their hearts grow weak and faint : He marks when their strength is failing, and listens to each complaint ; He bids them rest for a season, for the pathway has grown too steep ; And folded in fair green pastures He giveth His loved one's sleep."
"He giveth it, oh! so gently, as a mother will hush to rest
The babe that she softly pillows so tenderly on her breast ; Forgotten are uow the trials and sorrows that made them weep ; For with many a soothing promise He giveth His loved one's sleep."
2.45
Hereafter.
If this were all-if from Life's fitful rays No steadier beacon gleamed-no fairer days Could dawn for us who struggle in the night. And sigh for wings to bear us in their flight To that Beyond of mystery and amaze-
Surely our hearts would faint beside the ways, While Courage, stifled by the deathly haze, Would helpless droop beneath our mournful plight, If this were all !
But, o'er the shadows-with a heaven wrapt gaze- Past love grown cold-above the world's dismays -- ' Strong, through Life's moment of imperfect sight- On, to the glowing of a great delight- Faith-with her keenest upward glancing, says- " This is not all."
[C. F. Ramsay.]
2.46
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
BIOGRAPHIES AND PORTRAITS.
Biographies.
Portraits.
BECK, MICHAEL ..
Page 198
Page
.. .
BEHAN, THOMAS ..
73
BURKE, THOMAS M. A., RT. REV
27
25
CAGGER, PETER
28
29
CANTWELL, THOMAS W
162
163
CARMODY, RICHARD J.
219
. . .
CASSIDY, WILLIAM.
34
35
CLARKE, MICHAEL ..
126
127
CLARKE, JAMES D ..
132
133
COLEMAN, THOMAS D
I13
. . .
CONNICK, JOHN
110
III
CONROY, JOHN J., R'r. REV.
16
17
COONEY, MYRON A.
220
22 ]
DELEHANTY, MICHAEL
150
151
FARRELL, JOHN H.
144
145
FLAHERTY, CHARLES T. J
104
105
FLINN, PETER J
114
115
GORDON, JOHN B ..
52
53
HALL, JAMES ..
180
181
HIGGINS, JOHN C., REV
86
87
HIGGINS, EDWARD J., REV
91
89
JUDGE, JOHN.
92
93
JUDSON, BENJAMIN D.
6.4
65
KEARNEY, THOMAS.
192
193
KENNY, WILLIAM.
So
8
KERIN, JAMES.
I20
12I
LEUKE, HENRY.
40
41
. . .
Biographies.
Portraits.
MATTIMORE, THOMAS. ..
Page 74
Page 75
MORANGE, WILLIAM D
98
99
MULDERRY, BRYAN
156
157
MULLEN, JOHN.
46
47
MCARDLE, JOHN
138
139
MCHUGH, MICHAEL
58
59
MCNEIRNY, FRANCIS, RT. REV
22
23
O'SULLIVAN, MICHAEL.
186
. .
PEYTON, JAMES J., REV
70
71
PRESTON, WILLIAM S.
204
. .
RILEY, JOHN
232
233
ROARKE, FRANCIS.
238
. . .
SMITH, PHILIP J., REV
243
...
TRACY, JOHN
210
211
TRACY, CHARLES.
216
217
WADHAMS, EDGAR P., RT. REV
21
19
WANSBORO, THOMAS C., LIEUT
226
227
WILEY, IGNATIUS.
174
175
VIEWS AND SKETCHES.
Views.
Sketches.
Ahern-Farrell-Monument ..
Page 223
Page 225
Altar Monument.
61
63
Angel of the Sepulcher (Frontispiece)
. .
.. .
Beck, Michael
199
198
Cassidy, William-Monument.
31
33
Cemetery Avenue.
129
131
Clergy, Rev .- Monument.
37
39
Corcoran, Thomas F-Monument
201
203
DeCoff-Monument.
177
179
Delehanty-Stuart-Monument
147
149
Entrance, The.
169
168
248
Views.
Sketches.
Farrell, John H-Lot.
Page 141
Page 143
Gordon, Richard A-Monument.
49
51
Hanlon, Edward-Monument.
189
191
Harrigan Family-Monument
235
237
Higgins Family-Monument
83
85
Hollinger, John C-Monument
123
125
Judge, John-Monument.
95
97
Kenny, William-Monument.
77
79
Kerin, James-Monument
117
119
Looking West from McArdle Lot
195
197
Lyon, James-Monument ..
207
209
Lyons, John-Monument.
183
185
Meegan, Edward-Monument
IOI
103
Mulderry, Bryan-Monument
159
161
McArdle, John-Lot ..
135
137
McHugh-Woods-Monument.
55
57
O'Brien and Norton-Monument.
229
231
Original Gateway.
165
167
O'Sullivan, Michael-Lot.
187
1 86
Peyton, James J-Monument.
67
69
Preston, William S-Monument
205
204
Receiving Vault ..
43
45
Roarke, Francis-Monument.
239
238
Sketch of St. Agnes Cemetery
...
9
Stuart-Delehanty-Monument.
I47
149
Smith, Philip J., Rev .- Monument.
241
243
The Diocese of Albany
. ..
15
Thacher Monument ..
107
109
Tracy Monument.
213
215
Wiley, Ignatius-Monument
171
173
Ziser, Dagobert-Monument.
153
155
249
VIEWS FROM PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY IRVING, KNAPP AND OTHERS. ENGRAVINGS BY THE AUSTIN ENGRAVING CO. AND OTHERS. PRINTING AND BINDING BY THE ARGUS COMPANY, ALBANY.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
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