Westport Island’s cemetery and history committees and community association are teaming up this Saturday, Sept. 23 to offer the island’s first tour of eight historically significant cemeteries.

According to a pamphlet the town provided, Westport Island has no public burying grounds. It has 70 private cemeteries. Fifty-three of them are considered “ancient burying grounds” because they were in use prior to 1880. The stories of those who died provide a glimpse into life’s challenges more than 100 years ago.

Among those who are buried on the island, Civil War volunteer William McKinney was shot through the leg at Gettysburg, lying on the battlefield for five days before his wounds were treated, according to the pamphlet. McKinney recovered from his wounds and went on to serve as the island’s postmaster.

Ezekiel Tarbox, at one time the only dispenser of spirits on the island, was also the island’s wealthiest resident. Edward Pierce, buried in the island’s Brooks cemetery, imbibed too generously and had his own issues with spirits as a result; according to the pamphlet’s reference to Beatrice E. Harriman’s chronicle Westport, Maine 1828-1978, he developed health issues from “demon rum” and died in Japan in 1883.

The Jewett cemetery shows the ravages of disease in an age before modern medicine.  Here, seven children aged 2 months to 14 years are buried, the victims of smallpox and diphtheria during the mid-1800’s.

Westport Island cemeteries are tended by a committee of four volunteers who are appointed by the selectmen. The volunteers are responsible for clearing brush and the overall maintenance of the island’s cemeteries as well as placing flags on veterans’ graves.

On Saturday, cars will assemble at the island’s old town hall at 10 a.m.  Tour guides Calvin Cromwell, Bill Cooney and Bill Hopkins will lead the caravan to cemeteries where graves can be visited by foot. The two-hour event is free and refreshments will be served at the town hall. Those participating are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the island’s food pantry.