THE DOGWOOD TREE

Jefferson County may be the home to the largest and 
possibly the oldest Dogwood tree in the State.  

The tree is located at the Union Chapel Cemetery, the first burial at
this cemetery was December 29, 1895.

It is unknown to me the exact date the tree was planted but would guess 
as the dates provide a timeline between 1895 and 1914, more likley between 
1896 and 1913 either way the tree would be at least 100 years old.

The tree was planted by Rebecca Green she was born September 26, 1846 and 
died January 8, 1914 she is buried at Union Chapel Cemetery.

In the 1900 Census Rebecca Green was living in Field Township with her 
husband Francis M. Green and  seven children. According to the IL 
Statewide marriage index Rebecca Clark and Francis M. Green were married 
May 7, 1884 in Jefferson County, IL.

In the 1880 Census Rebecca Clark is living in Field Township as the head of 
household with two sons ages 6 and 5.

The IL Statewide marriage index shows a Vestal A. Clark was married to
Rebecca Penacuff on June 5, 1874.

This Dogwood tree has been submitted to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, 
Forest Resources Division a State District Forester was sent out to take an
official measurement of the tree and it was deemed a State Champion.