This post would not be made possible without the cooperation of the DeVoe family in California. Thanks Karen!
It has been officially more than one year since moving into the new house, May 1st being the anniversary. While I have not had the chance to do serious research during this time, I did perform some reading and made a new acquaintance out of California.
Her name is Karen Devoe. She and her family have been instrumental in helping me put together some remaining pieces of the George Drollette puzzle.
I thank God for message boards. It was one of my many messages regarding George and his family that her son came across.
I have had many conversations with other researchers regarding this family. To all of you researchers, I hope this information provides you with the answers you have been looking for.
For a refresher on George, see the French Connections Newsletter, Vol. 1 Issue 2, dated November 1, 2007.
After leaving Clinton County, New York, George attended a business college in Indiana where he met his future wife Marie. Marie bore him one son named Elmore/Elmer Drollette.
George was recommended for a post as private secretary to Edward H. Conger, U.S. Ambassador to China by Col. Denby. George accepted the post as private secretary, leaving San Francisco in 1902. Source: TO CHINA WITH MINISTER CONGER newsarticle, prob. Evansville Courier.
Elmore did travel to China to reside with his parents. This move was quite temporary, for Elmore was quite particular about living in China and attending the schools. On August 23, 1909, an article appeared in a San Francisco newspaper titled “Boy Likes to Travel Alone”; Elmor Drollette, Who Is Traveling Alone From Shanghai to Indiana, Make Long Trip Across Ocean.” He was hastened back to the United States to take up residence with Mrs. Cintura. Another article appeared in “The Evansville Courier” Sunday, September 19, 1909 titled “Diary of Boy’s Trip Across Ocean”
In 1912, Elmore attended the Kemper Military School in Boonville, Missouri.
George did reside in China for the remainder ofhis life. Marie remained in China until after the death of her second husband. Travel records have been located showing that George and Marie did visit their son Elmore who resided in Indiana with his grandmother, Marie’s mother.
George died about November 1933. Despite a few remains that were located in his residence (several wooden boxes) Georges body wasn’t located. Death notice for George was located in a Hong Kong newspaper.
Death
DROLETTE-On November 4, 1933,
at Hanoi, George Washington Drolette.
After the death of George, Marie did remarry to Mr. John Oram Sheppard from New Zealand. John was a warrant officer either in the Royal Navy or Royal Air Force. Both Marie and her new husband were imprisoned in the Stanley Concentration Camp in Hong Kong China. Marie was eventually released but sadly her husband passed away February 10, 1942 while imprisoned. He is buried at the Stanley Cemetery. Sources:
Hong Kong Interment, 1942 to 1945: Life in the Japanese Civilian Camp at Stanley
Author: Geoffrey Charles Emerson
and
Hong Kong War Diary http://www.hongkongwardiary.com/searchgarrison/rnandraf.html
Due to the length of this post, there will be a second part titled “Drolet-DeVoe Connection Part II“, devoted to Elmer DeVoe Drollette and his family.
Blessings,
Melissa
