Sergeant Robert E. Shannessey (1897-1943) served in the US Army from 1915-1919. Prior to WWI his unit was deployed to the Mexican Border because of the Pancho Villa uprising at the onset of WWI. His unit, the 126th Battalion of the Red Arrow Division from Big Rapids, Michigan, was then deployed to France. He was wounded in action and was honorably discharged in 1919 after lengthly recovery.

Sergeant Shannessey was the father of long-time Northville resident, Phyllis Ely, wife of the late Charles (Clancy) Ely, Jr.

- Phyllis Ely