Private Abner Miles
Birth: 1745
Death: Jul. 23, 1778
Westminster
Worcester County
Massachusetts, USA
A walk in the woods most always reveals something both unexpected and intriguing.
This grave lies deep within the woods near the Gardner/Westminster border. No modern roads lie near and no other traces of civilization encroach. A large oak stands sentinel over the American flags that mark his grave.
His name was Abner Miles and he was a Private in the American Revolution.
He served for three months and five days in a regiment known as the Jackson Co. In August of 1777, his company responded to an alarm in Bennington VT., marching 200 miles in 10 days from Westminster to East Hoosuck (Adams, MA) and back under the command of Major Ebenezer Bridge.
He died of smallpox on July 23, 1778.
His grave is located in a remote wooded area in Westminster, MA.
Reference ; https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=102412594
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I was able to be part of the annual trek of veterans to his grave this year. I was proud to play a part of the veterans council in the Military Honors for Private Miles. We had a well deserved 5 - Gun salute in his honor and to all vetrans living and deceased.
Cache is a clear lock-n-lock box. The old cart road is difficult to recognize from the road at some times of the year. The first 150 feet is almost a bushwack, thorns and ferns. It can be very wet and muddy. Not really good to do at night. Entrance to the woods/cart road is near a house close to town line. Park along the road. Insect repellant suggested - Ticks & mosquitoes. It is mostly flat hike in but can be difficult due to vegitation and mud. and bushwacking to the cache.
The cache is placed with permission of the Westminster Veterans council, American Legion Post 174, VFW Post and Historical Society.