James N. Clarkson

Standing on the first rise of the Middle Ridge opposite the Cemetery's chapel, this pretty white headstone features a lyre surrounded by a somewhat eroded, but rich garland of flowers.  This marble funerary wreath has a variety of flowers, including roses, lilies, and bleeding hearts.  Like the harp on the headstone of Samuel and Helen Pruyn, the lyre has a broken string.  On the pedestal, it reads, "Peacefully Asleep."  The base is signed by the carver, J.J. Young of Troy, N.Y.

This stone marks the grave of James N. Clarkson who died on May 23, 1863 at the age of 39.  As with some of the older records, the burial card gives little information.  Census records show he was born in England and, as of 1860, lived in Troy with his wife, Sarah, and two children (Sarah, aged 9, and James, age 6).  His wife is buried in the adjacent plot where the headstone has fallen.  Her burial records indicate that she was born in England and, at the time of her death in 1881, resided at 331 Clinton Avenue in Albany.

A Lovely Lyre

This pretty marble headstone stands near the western end of the North Ridge.  The uniform rows of the Cemetery's somewhat newer sections can be seen in the background.  The inscription on the stone is, unfortunately, worn.  The lyre, however, is a symbol which often suggests a love of music.