MCCLURE, Melissa L. 1828-1909

MCCLURE, SMITH, WHITAKER, BOONE, SMART

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/27/2013 at 21:48:11

[Waterloo Daily Times-Tribune, Wednesday, October 20, 1909]

AGED WOMAN DIES; PASSING OF PIONEER

With the passing of Mrs. Melissa L. McClure at her home, 616 Lime Street, at 6:30 yesterday morning, Black Hawk County lost one of its early pioneers, and the city one of its most venerable and estimable residents. Although ill for the past 18 years suffering with cancer, and for several months unable to follow her usual routine duty in church and society work, only during the past three months has she been confined to her bed. Death was directly due to the effects of the disease with which she had been affected so long.

Deceased was born in Syracuse, N.Y., August 15, 1828. When a mere girl the family removed to Cedar Falls where she grew to young womanhood. She has resided in Black Hawk County for 57 years, being one of the oldest members of the Early Settler's association.

In 1855, Miss Melissa L. Smith, that being her maiden name, was united in marriage to J.W. McClure, a brother of Col. McClure, for many years a resident of Cedar Falls, but most recently of Topeka, Kan.

Mr. McClure, her husband, was the first incumbent of the county recorder's office, being elected when the office was created. He has been dead a number of years.

There were four children born to Mr. and Mrs. McClure. A son, Frank H., died in infancy, and Mrs. Carrie Whitaker Boone died June 30, 1907. The two surviving children are Mrs. Mary A. Smart who has cared for her mother during her long illness, and Henry W. McClure, both residing in Waterloo. There are also two grandchildren, J.A. Boone, Valley Junction, and James Boone of Waterloo.

Deceased was a member of the Ladies' Guild of the Methodist church, with which she affiliated early in life, and one of the early members of the Eastern Star, besides being a member of the Early Settlers' association, whose gatherings she never missed until last summer, then being unable to attend on account of her health.

Several out-of-town relatives have been notified and are expected to attend the funeral, which has not yet been completed on account of waiting for the relatives. Rev. G.W. Hinkle, rector of Christs church, will conduct the funeral and interment will be made in Fairview Cemetery.