LeClair, Louise LeClere Smith (1856-1941)

LECLAIR, LECLERE, SMITH, LAUDE

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 12/12/2020 at 10:52:00

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Thursday, September 18, 1941

Mrs. Lulie LeClair was born July 22, 1856 in Dubuque county, Iowa. She was the daughter of George F and Louise [Laude] LeClair. [this should be LeClere]

Her education was received in the district school near Dubuque, and later in Lenox college, Hopkinton.

March 10, 1881 she was united in marriage to Dwight S. Smith, of Monticello. To this union was born three sons, Fred H. Smith of Allan, Saskatchewan, Canada; Seward L. Smith of Blairsburg and Dr. Dwight A. Smith of Glendale, Cal.

In 1881 Mr. and Mrs. Smith moved to Blairsburg where Mr. Smith passed away July 26, 1889. A little later Mrs. Smith and her three sons returned to Monticello where the sons attended school and grew to manhood.

June 8, 1904 Mrs. Smith was united in marriage to Mr. W.E. LeClair, and in 1920 they moved to Blairsburg and built the home which Mrs. LeClair occupied until last spring when she was removed to the home of her son, Seward Smith, one mile from Blairsburg, where she was tenderly cared for during the time of her failing health, and where she passed away Saturday evening, Sept. 15 at 7:45. Mr. LeClair preceded her in death Sept. 3, 1937.

While in Monticello, Mrs. LeClair was an active member of the Presbyterian church, where she cheerfully bore more than her share of its responsibilities. Her home was always open for church gatherings and many missionaries and ministers enjoyed the hospitality of her home. The removal of the family from Monticello was a loss to the church and community, but was a gain to Blairsburg where Mrs. LeClair manifested the same spirit of unselfishness and helpfulness in church and community life.

Mrs. LeClair was a noble Christian woman of whom it could truly be said that Christ came first, others second, and self last. Her thoughtful unselfish ministry to others was a constant blessing and inspiration. Her life was a living illustration of the righteous person described by the Psalmist who, "planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish like the palm tree, and shall bring forth fruit in old age," truly an evergreen Christian. To know her was to love her, and "her children rise up and call her blessed."

Mrs. LeClair leaves to mourn her loss, besides her three sons, one brother, Mr. Henry LeClere of Manchester, 16 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and many friends.

[she is buried in the Blairsburg cemetery with her second husband, Edward LeClair]