The Rebecca Dewey Chapter NSDAR at the Shedd Cemetery

Three Oaks, MI – November 22, 2021

Submitted by Priscilla Lee Hellenga

In the late afternoon on November 11^th at the Shedd Cemetery on Spring Creek Road the Rebecca Dewey Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, commemorated the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. There were lanterns and candles. We had a ceremony by dedicating the pollinator garden to Sylvester Shedd, pioneer settler of the Three Oaks area. Besides the garden we have acquired a cemetery sign and a contemplation bench that has been installed as well as the American flag. Grave stones have also been repaired.

This cemetery is a great reminder of our outstanding people of the area and their contributions to the area that are loved. Thanks to the Township Supervisor, George Mangold, for your support in our efforts to preserve and restore this cemetery.

Stop by there sometime. Follow Three Oaks Road south from Three Oaks to Spring Creek Road then left to the first hill for Shedd Cemetery.

About the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Rebecca Dewey Chapter:

Chapter History – The Rebecca Dewey Chapter, NSDAR, Three Oaks, Michigan, was organized July 9, 1909, with a membership of seventeen.  It was chartered December 21, 1909, with fourteen members.  Since Three Oaks had secured the Dewey Cannon at the close of the Spanish-American War, it was decided to name the Chapter after Admiral Dewey’s great grandmother.  Rebecca Dewey Chapter NSDAR currently has 30 Members.

Dewey Cannon – This cannon, captured in the Spanish-American War by Admiral Dewey, was presented to Three Oaks when its citizens raised $1,400 for a memorial to the men of the battleship Maine. This was the largest contribution, per capita, of any community in the nation. “Three Oaks Against the World,” a local paper proudly boasted. This park was dedicated October 17, 1899, by President William McKinley, and others. Presentation of the cannon took place on June 28, 1900. Guest of honor was Helen Miller Gould, called the Spanish-American War’s “Florence Nightingale.” Thousands of people were in attendance on each occasion.