Born in Paris (c1852) to parents Peter Vallee and Euphraise Tutin.
Before coming to Australia Dr Vallee served in the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71). He often related the thrilling adventures he experienced as a medical student during the siege. After arriving at Inverell about 1875 he worked with a Dr. Segol as his assistant. During the early 1880s Dr. Vallee travelled to Edinburgh, Scotland to further his medical studies which included anatomy, and pharmacy. He obtained his Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh Licentiateship in July 1884, a formal qualification indicating he was competent to practice surgery. Dr. Vallee then returned to Inverell, New South Wales, Australia, advertising in the Inverell Argus newspaper 1885 that he … "may be consulted at Mr. Barnett’s or at his residence next to the Church of England …"
In 1898 he obtained his Naturalization Certificate, becoming an Australian citizen.
He married Leonie Adelaide Delphine Blondin in 1906. He also became the Government Medical Officer, a position he held until his death
Dr Valee died on 23 July 1907, in Inverell. The Inverell Times, 26 July 1907, reported … "By the death of Dr. Vallee, the district had lost a worthy and able medical man, but perhaps his services will be missed far greater at the hospital than anywhere else. He was always punctual and exercised the greatest care with his patients irrespective of class."
After her husband’s death, Mrs. Vallee went to France and returned with two beautiful wreaths, made entirely of small beads, mostly blue. These were placed on his grave, but unfortunately people souvenired the beads, until finally, the grave was unmarked. Mrs. Vallee is believed to have returned to France to live. There were no children of their marriage.
Further Reading:
Inverell District Family History Group Inc. PO Box 367 Inverell 2360 NSW Australia
Email: info@inverellfamilyhistory.org.au
