The Witt Crypt

This old vault is obscured by its location on a low path which runs parallel to the Cemetery's South Ridge Road.  Built into the hillside, its roof vents can be seen from the plot of Little Georgie.  With its entrance now sealed with stone blocks and its approach ankle-deep in leaves or grass (depending on the season), it looks rather forlorn now, but still retains some elegance with its wonderful rose-colored granite pillars (one of which is sadly missing) and arched doorway.

The crypt was built for Stillman Witt, a millionaire industrialist and philanthropist from Cleveland.  Witt died at sea while on a trip for his health.  His 1875 obituary from the New York Times can be read here.

When it was first built, this would've been considered a very fine location.  There are a number of notable plots along this path - including the Strong family and Mayor Eli Perry.  The crypt would have also overlooked Consecration Lake with its scenic ravine paths.

A Faithful Family Friend

One of a pair of beautiful dogs keeps watch over the crypt of the Burden family.

The vault was built for Henry Burden, a prominent Troy industrialist whose ironworks were powered by one of the largest waterwheels ever built. The open marble book seen in the background of this photo bears long epitaphs honoring Henry and his wife, Helen. It's said that Helen Burden designed this elegant vault herself and that the female face above its door is her likeness.

The Burden crypt is set into a slope of the Cemetery's Middle Ridge and overlooks the Chapel. It's also said that the Burdens chose this location for their tomb because of its view across the Hudson River where the Burden Ironworks could be seen on clear days.

The dogs, a pair of retrievers, were no doubt based on family pets. While they may seem identical when viewed from the ground, each one is slightly different when seen up close.