IASCOTT-L Archives

Archiver > IASCOTT > 2002-04 > 1017963879


From: "Elaine Rathmann" <>
Subject: [IASCOTT] Louis A. LeClaire, Sr.
Date: Thu, 4 Apr 2002 17:44:39 -0600


Louis A. LeClaire, Sr.

>From "History of Davenport and Scott County" Vol. II by Harry E. Downer-S. J. Clarke Publishing Co. 1910 Chicago.

Surnames: LeClaire, Pujal, Beddison, Corporal, Middleton.

Few among the families of Davenport occupy a more prominent position than that of which Louis A. LeClaire, Sr., is at present the head. He has been for many years identified with the business life here and is now the vice president o the LeClaire & King Publishing Company. A native of Davenport, he was born January 4, 1842, a son of Alexius and Marie (Pujal) LeClaire. The father was a so of Francis LeClaire, a brother of Antoine LeClaire, who holds a most conspicuous place in the annals of Davenport from the time of its foundation. A more extended mention of him, however, is made in the history prefatory to these biographies. Alexius LeClaire was a merchant and, like his uncle, was one of the important men of the city during his lifetime.
Louis A. LeClaire attended the public schools of Davenport and after completing the course of study here entered Iowa College. When he embarked upon his business career in 1862 he engaged first in real-estate dealing, to which he devoted his energies for about thirteen years. At that time he became administrator of his uncle's estate and united his interests with those of a son of colonel Davenport, filling the position of accountant in the latter's office. In 1882 he went to the western part of Iowa and then, in 1886, entered the gas office. About that time, however, on account of poor health, he was compelled to give up all business and take a much needed rest. Later, when he had recuperated, he joined his sons in the formation of the LeClaire & King Publishing Company, of which he was made vice president. This is one of the enterprising concerns of the city, owing no small share of its prosperity to the wisdom and good judgment of the senior member of the firm.
It was in December, 1870, that Mr. LeClaire was united I marriage to Miss Mattie S. Beddison, a daughter of Thomas and Martha (Corporal) Beddison. They are descendants of a family which has been prominent from the Revolutionary days and one ancestor fought in Washington's army. At that time the homestead was in one of the southern states, but later a removal was made to Rock Island, Illinois, where Thomas Beddison became very prominent. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. LeClaire. Margaret has remained unmarried and makes her home with her parents. Marie has passed away. Louis, Jr., is the president of the LeClaire & King Publishing Company. He married Miss Jessie Middleton and they have one daughter, Marie. Beatrice and Bernice are both at home. The family belong to the Catholic church of Davenport and are prominent in its work and liberal in its support. As is befitting a descendant of the famous Antoine LeClaire, our subject is one of the more prominent of the !
citizens of Davenport. He is interested in all the more vital of the city's affairs, although he has never been persuaded to take nay active part in the local government. Nevertheless, he enjoys the sincere esteem of those who have come to know him and feel that he has made a name for himself and is not dependent on the reputation won by his ancestors, while his success is the outcome of clear judgment, experience and unabating energy.

Elaine Rathmann
Assist. CC: Scott Co, IA USGenWeb Project
List Mom for: *IA-CIVIL-WAR *IA-DANES *Suffrins

This thread: