There's got to be a good reason why Albemarle Cady (1807-1888) is buried under one of the tallest grave stones in Old North Cemetery. Could it be the grizzly white beard he sported for so many years? Or should we point to his military achievements? Most historians would go with the latter, but sometimes you can't beat a rugged beard.
The Keene native was all business during his 30 years in uniform. Cady graduated from West Point in 1829 and was promoted to captain during the Second Seminole War. It's safe to say this patriot bled stars and stripes, but it was the Mexican-American War that defined his valiant military qualities.
Cady was wounded in battle in 1847, but his courageous conduct got him promoted to major. Unfortunately, the series of battle wounds he sustained throughout the war plagued his body during his Union service in the Civil War, thus leading to retirement in 1864.
Cady received the brevet of Brigadier General in retirement, but his patriotic passion reached far beyond any award. He died at age 81 at his home in New Haven, Conn.
