To the editor:
Because I am the family genealogist, a cousin of mine sent me this article from the Portland (Oregon) Tribune about the finding of the cremation ashes of Jewett Williams found in a storage area of a state hospital in Salem, Ore. where they sat unclaimed since 1922. He was a Civil War veteran , and his ashes are now in the hands of the Patriot Guard Riders on their way by motorcycle to Togus National Cemetery for a full military burial on Sept. 17.
Jewett was born in May 1844 in Hodgdon, the son of Jared and Rosaline (Jackins) Williams, and grandson of William Williams and Mary Van Wart Williams, one of the earliest settlers of Houlton.
I, too, am a descendant of Williams, so as a genealogist, I find this story fascinating; but I also feel that no war veteran should be forgotten.
I would like to express my appreciation to genealogist Phyllis Zegers, to Maine historian Tom A. Desjardin, and to the Patriot Guard Riders for their parts in bringing Jewett Williams home.
