Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-10-26
From the Portland Press.
The Late John =. Walker.
discovery ofHis Hemsins.

Major Walker was native OF Fryeburg
where be fitted for college, pursued the
study OF law and was married TO his tirst
vile. During the late war he was ap
/ pointed paymaster's clerk, subsequently
paymaSter, and at the close OF the wal
was transferred to the regular army.
\ For u short time he was stationed at the
south, but finally was ordered 10 Port
I land. Oregon, the place OF his residence
at the time OF his deceaSe. On his return
from Alaska. where he had been sent to
pay off the troops, he embarked 10 COM
pany with his wife Ga Southern woman)
on board the steamer George ). Wright
bound for Portland. January 1873
Nothing has ever been heard OF the
steamer, and although many reports
were tor time in circulation. the fate OF
the passengers and crew has remained
mystery.
Two years and half after the sup
posed loss OF the vesse! and all on board,
the remains OF Major Walker were found
on the shore of an island about an eighth
OF a mile in circumference and mostly
covered with trees, about two miles iron
the entrance 10 Bazan Bay, and twelve
west OF Cape Cygsne. the southwest
point OF Alaska. Two Hydah Indians
named EdenSo and klimnagart, were
hunting and trapping otter and mink IN
that region, when they saw strange
object on the shore, and on landing
they found the larger portion OF the
remains with life pIeserver around
them, while other parts were somewhat
scattered. A few yards from the body
they discovered two punches OF keys, a
sleeve button, and about forty dollars IN
gold coin. The property the Indians
divided; and the remains they covered
with some six inches OF gravel and then
with rocks, retaining also the cuffs oil
the coat sleeve. They saw no relics OF
the steamer Wright.
Subsequently visiting the trading pos,
81 Shikan, they informed Messrs. Sher'
reck * Co. OF their discovery, who
at once appraised Capt. c. NJ. Scam
mon of the Revenue steamer Oliver
Wa,cutl. Taking Nr. Turk u member
OF the above hrm with him, Capt.
Scammou steamed to HOwkan, thence
sent canoe TO the Indian village which
brought back ELenso who guided them
10 Tue place OF interment. The
gemIius were dlsinlerred, taken on !
BOARD. and aiterward carried from Sltka
10 Portland; and the second oil August. /
we're committed 10 the earth in the /
ccme-ary Al Fort Vancouver. BY special
o,dsr oil Gen. .. y. Howard Command |
inc the Department oil the Columbia. the !
funeral ceremonies Were attended by The |
officers OF al the departments ~ his |
head quarters aud Al Fort Nancouver- |
the escort aud attendants comprising The I
entire body OF troops III the Fort.
Gen. H. in bis official report 10 Wash
iugtou asks for authority 70 direct the /
necessary transportation 10 be furnished
in case the iulndS OF The deceased desire
the remains sent East" lie adds, IRON
personal examination OF some portions
OF the clothing. and iron ali the inform
alton furnished / am satisfied The remains
axe those Ot Judge Walker We omit-
ted 10 mention lhat the keys and buttons
which were restored by the Indian
established tue identity OF their former
owner.
We are Indicted 20 the courtesy o. the
relatives OF this esteemed officer Tor an
81 the oihcia. documents giving
This account, which were transmitted 10
them last month irom the PaymGster
Generals Ol,ice ~ Washington.
We express INC wish OF large circle
%, friends IN saying that We trust his
remains may yet ind peaceful rest Ia the
quiet cemetery ~ Fyeburg. by TIE side
Jl the vile who was worthy OF his love.