The Rebecca Dewey Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR), Three Oaks, Michigan, was organized on July 9, 1909, with 17 members. It was chartered on December 21, 1909, with 14 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.
Rebecca Carrier was born March 29, 1746, in Colchester Colony, Connecticut. In 1768 she married William Dewey who served in the American Revolution with the Lexington Alarm in 1775. They had three sons: Simeon, Julius, and George.
William and Rebecca are buried in Hanover, New Hampshire.
The members of the Rebecca Dewey Chapter, NSDAR, are ladies who love their community and find value in different areas of service. From honoring veterans to promoting education and supporting teachers and students, there is something for everyone in the DAR. This is not your grandmother’s DAR!
The Dewey Cannon, captured in the Spanish-American War by Admiral George 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, proudly boasted “Three Oaks Against the World,” a local paper. This park was dedicated on October 17, 1899, by President William McKinley, and others. The presentation of the cannon took place on June 28, 1900. The guest of honor was Helen Miller Gould, called the Spanish-American War’s “Florence Nightingale.” Thousands of people were in attendance for each occasion.
