When Jewett Williams died in an Oregon hospital in 1922, he was cremated and his ashes were stored with thousands of other patients who died there. But thanks to a group of military veterans, Williams is now on his way back home to Maine. The Patriot Guard Riders picked up Williams ashes in Salem, Oregon, and will be bringing them back on a cross-country trip by motorcycle. Williams served with the 20th Maine Regiment from October 1864 to the war’s end in April 1865. Williams’ remains are schedule to arrive back in Maine on Aug. 22, then will be given a full military burial at Togus National Cemetery on Sept. 17.
Read more about the return of Jewett Williams’ ashes to Maine.