Leland W. Chamberlain

A lifelong farmer and, as is often said, a "student of the soil" was born near Spencer on June 19, 1917, the son of Ralph and Alice (Runion) Chamberlain. Lee attended public schools in Spencer, graduating from Spencer High School in 1935. He remained a Clay County resident throughout his long life. He farmed with his father, for a number of years and then acquired his own farm near Dickens, where he raised crops, primarily soybeans and corn and also hogs. On August 26, 1938, he married the former Pauline Flaharty of Spencer. Two children were born of their marriage, Wayne and Sharon. Pauline, died tragically in an automobile accident in April of 1960. In June of 1963, Lee and Delores Moulds of Storm Lake were married. This past summer they celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary, living for many years on the Centennial Farm, where Lee and his father had been born. Their Centennial Farm is on what is now 310th Street near Spencer, on land originally homesteaded by Ebenezer and Sarah Chamberlain in November 1870, thus making the Chamberlains a true Clay County pioneer family. Lee was a longtime member of the Langdon Methodist Church and served on the Meadow Township Clerk and Trustee for many years. He was also member of the Farm Bureau. In addition to farming, he was well known in the area as a singer who sang at many funerals and other occasions. He also sang in the winning national champion chorus awarded in Washington D.C. and was a member of many barbershop choruses over the years. Lee always had a kind disposition and friendly smile for everyone. A talented carpenter and ballroom dancer, he was a fixture in Clay County, especially in particular settings like Clay County Fair, and is remembered favorably by a great many residents of this area. Lee is survived by his wife, Delores of Spencer, IA; his son, Wayne Chamberlain and his wife, Diane of Gladbrook, IA; his daughter, Sharon Babcock and her husband, Charles of Westchester, PA; his son, Robert Moulds and his wife, Marlene of Easton, PA, his daughter-in-law, Kathryn Moulds and her husband, Claude Bjork of Schaumburg, IL; nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife and his son, Larry.

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