Posted on February 16, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

I still recall the sense of disbelief and mild shock when I came across a reference to “a lock of George Washington’s hair” presented to and preserved by the Noquochoke Masonic Lodge in Westport MA. The lock of hair had been handed down through generations of the Cameron family of Philadelphia who were close to […]

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

By Tony Connors “We have a Sunday wooden leg covered with leather, and for just around the farm, an ordinary wooden one.” (Mary Hicks Brown, interviewed in 1976 about her family history)   When we turn a spotlight on figures from the past, we’re usually looking for people with admirable qualities. What was it that […]

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories 113 Reed Road, Head of Westport MA  A small plaque located at 113 Reed Road commemorates the military service of Robert Cottle during the American Revolution. Cottle enlisted in 1775 and participated in many of the pivotal events of the war: the retreat from Long Island, the battle of Ticonderoga, the capture […]

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories Bread and Cheese Brook flows from Fall River to the Westport River. In the 18th century, it provided waterpower for a grain mill and shingle mill. But what is the origin of its unusual name? A story handed down through time is that of a Westport militia, who quenched their thirst with […]

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories This story of French soldiers stopping for refreshments at 365 Old County Road appeared in a newspaper article and has been retold over the years, appearing in Eleanor Tripp’s notebooks and in the articles written by Gladys Gifford Kirby. The original source is not known. However, a similar story was related by […]

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories According to an old story, the owner of Gooseberry Neck was one Job Almy who kept his sheep on said island. Some of the crew from an English vessel, hungry for fresh meat, proceeded to round up sheep.  Job Almy, an outstanding Quaker, mounted his horse and rode over to view the […]

Posted on January 27, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

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 […]

Posted on January 26, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Westport’s Revolutionary Stories A well educated young man’s conflicted response to the war, attracted by the promise of promotion and admiration, and yet constrained by his Quaker beliefs. The story of Abner Brownell (1756-1851)  – “Westport’s Paul Revere” –  has been handed down through the generations. Its origin and authenticity remain unknown but it first […]

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

This Brownell family bible, printed in 1811, has an unusual cover. A note inside the bible reads “cover made from Grandpa Benjamin Brownell’s leather breeches.” The bible includes Brownell genealogy beginning with Abner Brownell born 1756.  Abner is known as Westport’s Paul Revere. WHS 2003.181.001 Who was Benjamin Brownell? This story of Benjamin Brownell (1734-1816), […]

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Jenny ONeill

Are you a descendant of a Revolutionary War soldier from Westport? This year Westport Historical Society embarks on a year of highlighting Revolutionary War stories. The first hurdle is to identify Revolutionary War soldiers who came from Westport, or who were closely associated with Westport. Remember borders changed frequently and Westport was incorporated in 1787 […]