Plattsburgh Sentinel
Publ. Tuesday, Nov. 12, 1918

LETTER FROM FRANCE (from Leland to mother)

The following letter was received by Mrs. Benjamin Favro of Saranac from her son, Corp. Leland B. Favro, who is serving in France:

France, Sept. 21st, 1918

Dear Mother: -
Just a few line to let you know I am well and happy and hope this will find every one well at home.
Last Sunday four of my friends and I got passes and went to St. Armand. It is quite a good sized city and is very old. I visited the ruins of an old palace., also two caves. They say they were built hundreds of years ago, and at the time of the Fracno-Prussian war in 1870, the caves were used as prisons. We enjoyed the trip very much. The weather here in Central France is nice and sunny most of the time.
Well, Mother, it is just a year tomorrow that I have been in the army. There are twelve or fifteen of the boys that have been in the same time here in my company and we are going to have a big time tomorrow, the 22nd. We are going to have a goose dinner. What do you think of that? The Sergeant and I have just been to the next farm and got the geese. Ten nice big ones. I tell you we are living find, have good eats all the time, but tomorrow is going to be one big day. We have a new priest in our Reg. now, Fr. Lobin. He is just fine. He was at the church in town last Sunday and I think he will be here again tomorrow. I have been going to Mass every Sunday at the French church, but of course, I can’t understand the sermons, but since Fr. Lobin is here it seems just like home. We have a new Y.M.C.A. tent in town now, so it make us a fine place to spend our evenings. There was an entertainment there last nigh, and there were quite a lot of the town people there, they seemed to enjoy it as much as the soldiers. There is to be another Friday night given by one of our neighboring Co.’s. The Headquartes Co. There are two boys in this Co. from up home, one from Clayburgh, and the other from Ellenburgh. I see them most every day. I hear that Harry is on this side now. I hope I can run across him some time. I got weighed last night and I weigh 136 pounds-so I am in pretty good shape to “go over the top”, when my turn comes.
Must close with much love to all at home. I am as ever,
Your loving son
LEE

CORP. LELAND B. FAVRO,
Co. H. 303rd Inf.,
American E.F.
A.P.W. 773

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

Wednesday and Friday are the two latest additions to my family. Two black labs, brother and sister that were rescued from the local SPCA. They have been in residence for about two months. Because we were still in the middle of the house move and were still in Dallas, I must admit that my daughter and I were quite tired. Our un-imaginativeness caused the birth of these names. Wednesday was picked up on this day of the week, though her birth name was Sure. She did so well with us, that we decided on Friday to get the brother. He was born Dan. Even though he was picked up on Saturday, we stuck with Friday as the chosen name.

I have had some stellar dogs as pets in my 45 years. I am hoping the same for Wednesday and Friday. At this point, I haven’t thrown up my hands, but a bit of obedience training is in order I think. We have always had a “house dog”, so moving down south, when I mentioned this on owning my first lab, people actually cringed and laughed  and said “Why would you have a dog in the house?” Spooki the first black lab was the absolute best dog I ever owned. Lazy, smart and a big old 80 lb. lapdog. She loved to instigate but couldn’t fight her way out of a paper sack. Old age and bad hips caused her demise.

Being successful at potty training several dogs from just past the weaning stage, I was tickled at the task in front of me of training two labs to be housebroken. One thing I had negated to take into consideration, is that these two puppies were not just weaned. Oh-ho-ho. Far from it. As a matter of fact, they were quite content with being in a kennel with their brethren and doing their business where they pleased.

Now, as if this wasn’t bad enough, I had to move them from the utility room because it was too small for them. Friday is bigger then his female sibling. Feet the size of tea saucers. (They are not quite 6 months old). They are situated in the informal dining area which doesn’t get used and is vacant of furniture. It has nice wood laminate floor and their doggie bed along with their chew toys not to mention several of the grandchildren’s toys which they have pilfered from the kids rooms when we weren’t looking. This area has a sliding glass door which leads to a deck and hence out to the several acres of property. Perfect solution I thought. Throw down some paper by the door, walk them every hour on the hour. No problem. LOL. They are now confused and have left us several surprises on the carpet, on the fireplace (what?!!!) and behind the recliner. I know I smell something foul. Is it the youngest granddaughters nappy? Nope. Keep looking. My teeshirt is now covering my nose and mouth while I become detective. Awww, the dreaded surprise has been located and it wasn’t the nappy. Down on hands and knees, I am now their best friend playing try not to smear the poopy. Not wanting to confuse them further, I refuse to throw the pet pads behind the recliner. Surely that will reinforce to relieve theirself continuously behind the recliner. No scolding in sight from Grandma. She has a scowl on her face because Wednesday and Friday realize she can’t keep up with them around the bar in the kitchen nor the formal dining room set which is longer then I am tall.

A few uneventful days go by. No accidents. The “P” word is working out great. Friday recognizes the word “potty” and runs to his leash. Little sis, a bit dim witted, is a bit slower on the uptake. Alyssa comes out and says in her most sincere 4 year old grown up voice, “Grandma can you come in here a moment?” (Who says big houses aren’t a hassle?) I walk from the back of the house where I am cleaning and the girls are watching “Word Girl” on PBS, or so I think. Skye has taken off her nappy is doing the nasty on my carpet like the puppies! I howl “Noooo Skyeee”. Too late.

Who would have ever thought that bad puppy habits would carry over to grandchildren? Not me, that is for sure. Well, maybe they won’t chew through the trash bag, pull dirty clothes out from the laundy basket nor chew threw electrical cords.

I haven’t given up. I am a trouper. I am strong. I will persevere.

I think it truly is a dogs-day afternoon and the canine and infant population are wishing to send Grandma off to obedience school so they can have some peace in the house.

Oops, gotta go. Malachi is crawling towards the lamp cord.

Melissa

I recall as a little girl that my parents had us honor servicemen nationwide by sitting quietly for an hour as a sign of respect. Visits were also made to the Dannemora cemetery to honor these individuals.

My weekend has gotten started by celebrating Malachi (my grandson’s) first birthday. It entailed putting up a pool which almost caused me to throw my back out. (I had previously strained it during the move to the new house. OUCH!) Nothing that a good soak in epsom salts wouldn’t take care of. Despite the threat of raindrops and a few threatening dark clouds, we we able to “go swimming” as previously planned.

I think I got the better end of the deal! My daughter did all the cooking and baking. I got to sit in my camping chair and watch my two granddaughters go down the kiddie slide along with Alex who is a new girl friend living next door. My daughter got the privilege of anointing Malachi into the pool. He was not in a celebrating mood, believe me!

We adjourned to the house and while the kids tore through bbq and the fixings, they watched “March of the Penquins”. What an excellent movie for the family. I have watched it several times, and always enjoy the movie narrated along by Morgan Freeman. After the girls got antsy from sitting watching the movie, with Mom’s permission they went back to Alex’s house to play on the swing set and in the back yard. (Yeah, mine still has alot of dirt…wait till you read the lawnmower story…would be great for a late night comedy affair).

So while Alyssa and Alex played outside, Skye and Malachi got naptime. Grandma too.

Today being Sunday, after some spirituality, I intend to start planting  some seeds for my new garden. Sunday always goes fast for me. This is the start of my work week. Being a graveyard shift worker, I need to be in bed by 3:oo pm to get ample sleep for the start of my shift which is at 11:00 pm.

I am sending out blessings to you and your families. Have an enjoyable and safe Memorial Weekend.

Melissa

Apparently, George Drollette’s last resting place is in the vicinity of Saigon. His passing occurring circa 1933.

Despite some preliminary research, I haven’t had much luck finding a document or grave for George nor his wife. (I do not know at this point if she passed away and is buried in the Continental U.S. or if she also is buried along with her husband).

Several places I have researched are:

- interment.com (they don’t have Asia as a location)

- findagrave.com (this is where the son Elmer DeVoe is listed)

- rootsweb.com

- ancestry.com

I also have checked the history of the singer sewing machine company. George was Director of a Saigon branch apparently.

If you have any ideas or links I can follow, please email me. It would greatly be appreciated.

Melissa

Southerners always attest to the unpredictability of Dallas weather, and the past two weeks lead credence to this. Just when I am uplifted that I will be moving my grandchildren to a bigger home, I have been let down by some torrential rains, which persist in flooding the property which is in Waxahachie, Texas. It is all farmland, which I absolutely love, and quite secluded. Lots of room for the grandkids to run around. Kind of hard though when there is mucky water everywhere.

Looks like my first year is going to be spent laying new seed for something that resembles a lawn. Not too amazing what a backhoe can do to a decent yard.

The final move is supposed to take place no later than May 1, 2009. God will bless me I am sure in reaching this goal and not losing my sanity in the process.

Thank God for professional movers! Remember the day of moving your own belongings? What a hassle, and it always seems like something was missed.  When I moved overseas to Australia in the mid 80′s, I first experienced the move with a professional mover. Whew! Made me realize what I wasn’t missing by performing the move on my own. The movers I am currently using, “Condor Movers” have been the epitome of what excellent customer service should be. They are so readily accessible and always take the time to answer my continuous questions and make changes in the moving manifest without grumbling. Not to mention my move date has been moved 4 times already.

Hopefully, once things settle down, I will back in the post room sending you all a hello.

Take care and God Bless to you all!

Melissa

I tried every imaginable variation of the name Clarissa all to no avail. I could not find a record of marriage for this couple. Every research site, and message boards have Laurence’s wife listed as Clarissa or Clarisse, but her line ends here…no ancestors listed anywhere.

Backtracking a bit…I located the marriage of Pierre Cotard and Agnes Bourgeois who were in-laws to Antoine Paulin. I found them in the Port Royal, Annapolis, Nova Scotia archives.

My analytical mind started mulling over the thought that since Pierre and Agnes were located in Nova Scotia, maybe some of the Paulin family were as well. Digging through Paulin and Pagez entries, the name Jean-Baptiste Payez jumped out at me from the screen. No rhyme or reason…it was purely a fluke…but it stirred the hair on my neck. Jumping back looking for Jean-Baptiste Payez…there listed in the search results were Clarisse Payez and Laurent Pautinte!  I was utterly ecstatic and very happy for a certain Paulin researcher who has been looking for Clarisse’ ancestors.

It is a small wonder that anyone was able to locate this record because of the variants that show up on the marriage record.

Name: Clarisse Payez
Spouse: Laurent Pautinte
Event: Mariage (Marriage) 
Event Year: 1848-1851 
Religion: Catholique 
Place of Worship or Institution: Cooperville 
State: New York 

Payez-Pautinte Marriage of 1849

With so many of our past and present families being comprised from different lifestyes, I am starting a new chapter in the French Connections Newsletter based on the “Poland” family.

I would like to take the opportunity to Welcome Bob Gagnier from Cayuga County who has provided me with some insightful conversation regarding the Gagnier and Drollette lines.

The Gagnier and Drollette families tie into “Poland” ancestors, which after preliminary research, appear to have military connections with Montcalm.

I look forward to hearing from you, and any information you may be able to provide regarding this family.

Until next issue…

Best Wishes,

Melissa

Dear Family and Friends,

 As some cooler weather is gracing us in the south, I think of all that I am thankful for.

With the uncertain times we live each day, and the unpredictability of the future, I give thanks for having a loving family, and each day that I am given to help as many people as I can. Whether it is on the home-front or whether in the workplace, I get immense satisfaction and gratification of the lives I touch and that touch mine in return.

Having experienced several family and work-place losses of different proportions over the years, it has pressed into my conscience even more the significance of the relationships we have with everyone we encounter.

Pride and forgiveness are strange bedfellows. One can be the anvil of a person’s existence and the other the release that allows one to re-traverse a path that is golden and laden with peace.

In the blink of an eye, as the saying goes, life can cease, without reason. Be it the death of a loved one, or the dark swirling mist of Alzheimer’s that robs a person of cherished memories, something vital is robbed from us all. Understanding and forgiveness must be reached. Though not always in this order. Forgiving unconditionally, sometimes will bring about the understanding and closure we need to tragic events.

On a different note, my most sincere Congratulations to the Castine Family of Chazy, New York, for their new bundle of joy; a baby girl, the first niece, and first grandchild all wrapped into one cute bundle of joy!

Until next issue…

Best wishes,
Melissa

As I was looking over the information, and verifying sources and creating digital copies, Philomene Mire’s name jumped at me from the screen.

I think it is quite amazing, that despite the fact there are over 8,000 names in my database, I have the ability to recognize a name that is in the database, even if it is someone I haven’t researched for some years. I hope as the years go by, my mind continues to stay sharp.

This was the case with Philomene Mire. I recognized the name, and after verifying sources of her and her immediate family, I have come to the conclusion that Philomene, wife of Benjamin St. Germain and Philomene, daughter to Henry Mire and Flavie Schreiber are one and the same person.

It is always such a great feeling of satisfaction to be able to “link to an existing person”, which creates a bigger unified database, and allows other researchers to get a more complete picture of their families.

Here are two descendancy files of Philomene’s family including her marriage to Benjamin St. Germain.

henryschreiberdesc

jacquesmiredesc

Melissa