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Byrd Spilman Dewey | |
|---|---|
 Byrd Spilman Dewey, 1918 | |
| Born | Julia Bird Spilman February 16, 1856 Covington, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Died | April 1, 1942 (aged 86) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. |
| Resting place | Greenlawn Cemetery |
| Pen name | Aunt Judith Sunshine, Judith Sunshine, Aunt Judith, Judith Ray |
| Occupation | Writer |
| Language | English |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Sayre Institute |
| Period | 1887–1927 |
| Genre | Fiction, animal stories, Florida pioneer |
| Notable works | Bruno, 1899 |
| Spouse | Fred S. Dewey |
Byrd "Birdie" Spilman Dewey (née Julia Bird Spilman; February 16, 1856 – April 1, 1942) was an American author, land investor, and co-developer of the Town of Boynton. She lived in Florida from 1881 until her death in 1942.[1] Her best known work, Bruno, told the Dewey's story of early pioneering days in central Florida. The book remained in print for over twenty years, classified as juvenile literature – today it better fits the classification of young adult literature.
Dewey was an important figure in pioneer South Florida history, adding philanthropy, and environmental conservation to her notable endeavors with her work in the Florida Audubon Society. In 2013 and 2017, she was a finalist for the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.[2]