This is a series of posts based on my off season morning work I do. I moonlight as a driver for OCPL in the early AM, making sure I keep busy. My day can land me anywhere in Onondaga County. I pass by at least a dozen cemeteries a week.
I focus on the branch libraries in the city which is my delivery route. I have done some research on who the libraries are named after and where they ended up. We had some pretty remarkable people help establish what we all take for granted these days.
You will notice a lot of the namesakes have Onondaga County as their final resting places. Some also have much more elaborate headstones as some were not well off, just well known and respected. Please enjoy!
Beauchamp Library
Namesake: Rev William Martin Beauchamp – March 25, 1830 to December 13, 1925
Exploring the Legacy of William M. Beauchamp: A Scholar, Author, and Divine
Meet William M. Beauchamp, a multifaceted individual whose life’s journey took him from the charming village of Skaneateles to becoming one of the great authorities on the history of the Iroquois. Born in Coldenham, Orange County, in 1830, Beauchamp’s family relocated to Skaneateles in 1831, where he embarked on his educational journey. After marrying Sarah Carter of Ravenna, Ohio, in 1857, he delved into the priesthood of the Episcopalian Church in 1863.
Beauchamp’s ecclesiastical journey led him to serve as the rector of Calvary Church in Northville and later as the revered rector of Grace Church in Baldwinsville from 1865 to 1900. A man of diverse interests, he found himself drawn to the rich history of the Iroquois. In 1905, he published the seminal work “History of the New York Iroquois, now commonly called the Six Nations,” establishing himself as a significant figure in the study of indigenous cultures.
A Scholar, Collector, and Community Leader:
Beyond his roles in the church, Beauchamp was a prolific author and scientist. His literary contributions include works like “Iroquois Trials,” “Indian Names of New York,” and “Shells of Onondaga County, New York.” As a recorder of gravestone epitaphs, he focused on those dated before 1800. His dedication to history and culture extended to his role as vice president of the Onondaga Historical Association and president of the Onondaga Academy of Science. The Beauchamp Branch of the Onondaga County Public Library, named in his honor, stands across S. Salina Street from his Mark Avenue home, a tangible testament to his enduring impact on the community.
Betts Branch Library
Namesake: Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Betts – March 6, 1858 to March 4, 1932
BIO: Rev. Dr. Frederick W. Betts: The Reverend Doctor Betts lead a very interesting life. The majority of his life he spent in service to others. First he was a carpenter and mason and then found a calling. It took years to be ordained to the Universalist Ministry and while he served in New England his heart was in Syracuse. He would write a few books, and fixed and erected a church or two and awhile doing so, Betts would make great progress in the community.
Of his crusades, he worked to wipe out the “red light districts” with the start of his moral survey committee. They would rid the neighborhood of crime and prostitution. He then started the Syracuse chapter of the Rotary Club with the focus on taking care of crippled children.
He would continue all his tasks and throughout the years held the title of president of Associated Charities, Syracuse Red Cross and finally, president of the Syracuse public Library till his death in 1932.
Library History: The current library was built in 1963. The facility featured laminated beams with redwood trim and an interior walled with cherry paneling and stone. The 8200 square foot building replaced the former library, a converted home, and spanned two adjacent house lots. The library branch was named after Dr. Frederick W. Betts, a noted local minister and longtime library trustee. The new library was the third home for the former Valley branch which opened in 1927 and renamed in 1949 for Dr. Betts. Recent renovations to the building have retained the wood and stone features of the original 1963 design.
Credits: Obituary Syr Journal Mar 4, 1932 / NYTimes article from Find a grave
Headstone: BETTS – Footstone with Frederick W. Betts 1858 -1932
Location: Oakwood Cemetery Sect 63 Lot 99
Hazard Branch Library
Namesake: Frederick Rowland Hazard – June 14, 1858 to February 27, 1917
Bio: Frederick Rowland Hazard was born in Peacedale, Rhode Island in 1858 and graduated from Brown University in 1881. After graduating from Brown, Hazard studied the Solvay Process, a significant industrial process for the manufacture of sodium carbonate or soda ash at Solvay & Co. in France. Upon his return to the United States, Hazard assumed the position of Assistant Treasurer at the Solvay Process Company in Syracuse, New York. He subsequently served as the company’s Treasurer before assuming the position of President following his father’s death in 1898. Frederick Rowland Hazard died in Syracuse, New York on February 27, 1917. The Hazard branch of the Onondaga County Public Library on West Genesee Street near Solvay was named for him.
Headstone: Carved Stone Frederick Rowland Hazard 1858 -1917
Location: Oakwood Cemetery Sect 15 lot 39
Mundy Branch Library
Namesake: Rev Ezekiel Wilson Mundy – June 16, 1833 to June 6, 1916
Meet Ezekiel W. Mundy, a man whose journey started as a rich tapestry of diverse experiences, from the fields of Metchuchen, NJ, to the halls of academia and the heart of Syracuse. Born into a legacy dating back to Nicholas Mundy of England, Ezekiel’s early years were rooted in the simplicity of farm life, but his thirst for knowledge led him on a remarkable path.
A Journey of Faith and Knowledge:
Ezekiel’s odyssey took him from clerking in a Ruhway store to mastering the jewelry trade before delving into theological studies. Graduating from the University of Rochester in 1860, he entered the ministry and was called to Syracuse as the pastor of the First Baptist Church. His theological breadth, however, led to a parting of ways, and undeterred, Ezekiel organized an independent church, serving as its pastor for 13 years.
City Librarian and Scholarly Legacy:
In 1879, Ezekiel transitioned to the Episcopal ministry, founding St. Mark’s mission at Geddes. Simultaneously, he embarked on a journey with the Syracuse Public Library, marking the beginning of an enduring legacy. Ordained in 1883, he later earned the title of Librarian Emeritus upon retirement in 1915. A recognized authority on Americana, local, and family history, he received the Doctor of Literature degree from Syracuse University in 1904. Today, the West Side Branch of the Onondaga County Public Library stands as a testament to Ezekiel W. Mundy’s lasting impact as a city librarian from 1880 to his retirement in 1916. Join us in celebrating a life dedicated to faith, knowledge, and the enrichment of our community. #EzekielWMundy #LegacyUnveiled #CityLibrarianExtraordinaire
Paine Branch Library
Dr. Paul Mayo Paine—an American newspaperman, librarian, and educator left an indelible mark on both the literary and academic landscapes.
Born in Troy, Pennsylvania, Paine graduated from Lehigh University in 1891 with a degree in civil engineering. His journey led him through various roles, from serving on the Pennsylvania Railroad to becoming a valuable member of the Syracuse Post in 1894. During the Spanish-American War, Paine displayed his dedication to service by taking a leave of absence to serve in the 203rd Infantry Division as a sergeant.
Paine’s passion for literature and learning further manifested as he became the head librarian at the Syracuse Public Library in 1915, a role he held until his retirement in 1942. A prominent figure in library leadership, he even served as the president of the New York State Library Association
Beyond his contributions to libraries, Paine received two honorary degrees—an MA from Lehigh University and a Doctor of Letters from Syracuse University. He also shared his knowledge as a professor in the College of Journalism at Syracuse University.
#PaulMayoPaine #LiteraryLegacy #EducatorAndLibrarian
Petit Branch Library
Petit Branch Library is located on Victoria Place, off Westcott Street. This branch is on the near east side of Syracuse in an eclectic area known as the University Neighborhood (for its proximity to Syracuse University) and the Westcott Nation. The library is named after Douglas E. Petit who served as President of the Board of Syracuse Public Library until his death in 1926.
Petit, then called Westcott Station, first opened in 1912 in the Lawrence Drug Store at the corner of Westcott and Dell Streets. The Westcott Station was discontinued in 1926 in anticipation of the Douglas E. Petit Branch, which opened on November 20, 1928 at 746 South Beech Street. The current location on Victoria Place was dedicated on May 10, 1961.
Soule Branch Library
Namesake: Oscar Frank Soule – March 17, 1890 to April 1, 1973
Let’s take a moment to honor the vibrant life of Oscar F. Soule, a true luminary in the Syracuse community. Former president of WFBL radio station and a stalwart figure in civic affairs, Mr. Soule left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. His journey wasn’t just about titles and positions; it was a testament to a life well-lived.
The Man Behind the Legacy:
Beyond the radio waves, Mr. Soule was a trailblazer in the City of Syracuse. From his role as comptroller to steering the ship at the Syracuse Public Library, where a branch now proudly bears his name, Oscar F. Soule’s impact on education and culture is woven into the city’s fabric.
A Symphony of Roles:
Imagine a life that included leading the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, heading the Better Business Bureau, and chairing the World Dairy Show Commission. This was Oscar F. Soule – a man of many hats, a visionary in the world of business, culture, and community service. As we celebrate his legacy, let’s remember the dynamism he brought to our city and the myriad ways he shaped Syracuse into the vibrant community we know today. 🌟💙 #OscarFSoule #SyracuseTrailblazer #CommunityLegacy
White Branch Library
Namesake: Dr. Charles Edward White – Aug 2, 1848 to March 18, 1923
White Branch Library: A Beacon of Education and Diversity
Named in honor of Dr. Charles Edward White, the dedicated principal of Franklin School for an impressive 36 years, White Branch Library stands as a cherished symbol of Syracuse’s rich educational history. Designed by architect Melvin S. King in a colonial style, this library holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest branch, opening its doors on July 1, 1925, on the very site of the original Franklin School.
Artistic Treasures in the Children’s Room:
Step into the Children’s Room, and you’ll be greeted by three captivating mural paintings, presented in 1928 by local artist Margaret Huntington Boehner. These timeless artworks depict classic tales like Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and the Pied Piper of Hamlin, creating a magical and inspiring atmosphere for young readers.#WhiteBranchLibrary #DiversityInEducation #CommunityHub
