The story of Humphrey Almy: “Heroic he lived and heroic he died.”

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories

On a small hill on the land once belonging to Job Almy is an old Almy graveyard. This cemetery is enclosed by a massive wall made of fieldstone. Beside one headstone is an iron marker bearing the letter “S” (soldier). On this headstone is the following inscription: “Heroic he lived and heroic he died.”

Local tradition tells the story of how this young Humphrey Almy, a consumptive, was aroused one morning by the sight of British vessels south of Cuttyhunk Island, sailing along toward the west in the direction of Westport Point. Young Almy ran 4 miles to Westport Point to give the alarming news.  After he returned to the Almy homestead, he dropped dead (April 4, 1782). 

(Extract from the History of Riverside)

Humphrey Almy gravestone

This story was handed down through the generations of the Almy family who on Memorial Day would leave flowers on the grave of young Humphrey. Although the details of this story remain unconfirmed, we do know that Humphrey is buried in the Almy cemetery, located on private land at the southern end of Horseneck Road. His slate stone is broken and is partially buried. The date of death is recorded in Westport vital records as Apr. 7, 1782 at age 24.

Almy cemetery