Billie Frechette – More than Just John Dillinger’s Wife

Mary Evelyn “Billie” Frechette was an American singer, waitress, convict, and lecturer who is best known for her personal relationship with the notorious bank robber John Dillinger in the early 1930s. Frechette’s life story is one of hardship, love, and tragedy, and her involvement with Dillinger has made her a historical figure of interest to many.

Frechette was born on September 15, 1907, and grew up on the Menominee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. She was one of 13 children and her family struggled financially. As a young woman, Frechette moved to Chicago to pursue a career in singing, but she soon found herself working as a waitress in a hotel instead.

In 1932, Frechette met and fell in love with John Dillinger, a notorious bank robber who was on the run from the law. Dillinger was attracted to Frechette’s beauty and free spirit, and the two began a passionate affair. Despite the danger and uncertainty of their lives, they were deeply devoted to each other.

Frechette was arrested and charged with harboring a fugitive after she helped Dillinger evade the police. She was sentenced to two years in prison, but Dillinger’s daring escape from jail in 1933 made her a folk hero to many. When she was released from prison, Frechette became a celebrity in her own right, giving lectures and making public appearances.

Despite their deep love for each other, Dillinger and Frechette’s relationship was cut short by tragedy. Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents in 1934, and Frechette never fully recovered from the loss. She struggled with addiction and depression for the rest of her life, and passed away on January 13, 1969.

Mary Evelyn “Billie” Frechette was a complex and fascinating woman who lived an extraordinary life. Her relationship with John Dillinger has made her a historical figure of interest, but her story deserves to be told in its own right. Through her struggles and triumphs, Frechette remains an inspiration to many.

Who Did John Dillinger Love?

John Dillinger was romantically involved with Mary Evelyn “Billie” Frechette. They met in October 1933 and began a relationship that lasted until Dillinger’s death in July 1934. Frechette was a Menominee singer and waitress who had been convicted of harboring a fugitive, namely one of Dillinger’s accomplices. Despite the legal trouble she faced, Frechette remained loyal to Dillinger and was often by his side during his criminal activities. Their relationship was a subject of fascination for the media and the public at the time, and it has continued to be a topic of interest in popular culture.

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Did Billie Frechette Have Children?

Mary Evelyn “Billie” Frechette had one child with John Herbert Dillinger, a son named John “Jack” Dillinger Jr. who was born in 1934. However, Dillinger was arrested and later killed before his son was born, so Billie raised their child alone.

Did John Dillinger Have A Wife?

John Dillinger did not have a wife. He was known to have had several girlfriends and mistresses throughout his life of crime, but he never married any of them. One of his most well-known girlfriends was Evelyn “Billie” Frechette, who he met in November 1933. While they were not married, Frechette became a notorious figure in her own right, often accompanying Dillinger on his crime sprees and eventually serving two years in prison for harboring a fugitive (Dillinger).

Did Dillinger Have Kids?

Dillinger did not have any children. Therefore, he does not have any direct descendants. However, his closest blood relatives are likely his sister Carol Thompson Griffith and her son, Jeff Scalf, who is Dillinger’s great-nephew.

Conclusion

Mary Evelyn “Billie” Frechette was a fascinating figure in American history, known for her relationship with the infamous bank robber John Dillinger. Despite her criminal past and time spent in prison, she went on to become a lecturer and advocate for Native American rights. Her personal life, including her marriage to Dillinger and their child, added to the intrigue surrounding her story. Though she passed away in 1969, her name and legacy continue to be remembered and studied today.

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William Armstrong

William Armstrong is a senior editor with H-O-M-E.org, where he writes on a wide variety of topics. He has also worked as a radio reporter and holds a degree from Moody College of Communication. William was born in Denton, TX and currently resides in Austin.