Dewey family.

George Dewey was born in Montpelier, Vermont, on December 26, 1837. He was the youngest son of Julius Yemans Dewey (1801-1877) and Mary Perrin Dewey (1799-1843), who died when the boy was five years old. The family remained close despite their loss and George Dewey grew up to be, as his father described him, a "natural leader."

George Dewey's naval career began at Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, when he was seventeen years old. He attended Norwich with the intent to prepare himself for the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, to which he transferred to in 1855. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1858, the fifth in his class.

George Dewey is most famous for the May 1, 1898, defeat of the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay in the Philippine Islands. This victory made the United States one of the principal powers in the East, renewed confidence in the Navy, and made George Dewey admired by his country. Celebrations were held throughout the country. In Vermont, to honor its hometown hero, Dewey Day was held in Montpelier on October 12, 1899. During Dewey's lifetime he was one of the most famous men in America. On May 9, 1898, President William McKinley recommended Congress to appoint George Dewey to Acting Rear Admiral of the United States Navy for his patriotism and success at the Battle of Manila Bay.

George Dewey died on January 16, 1917, in Washington, D.C., and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.