Mrs. Clara Smith, wife of Lewis J. Smith died at her home at Cullowhee Monday, March 29, 1915 after having been ill for several weeks. Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Nathan Coward and has a host of relatives in Jackson County and throughout Western North Carolina. Besides several brothers and sisters, she leaves five children, Mrs. Lee [Nellie] Hooper of Speedwell, Mrs. John [Bertie] Phillips of Cullowhee, Miss Ida Smith of East Laporte, Lewis J. Smith Jr. of Charlotte, and Nathan Smith of Jacksonville, Florida. [also: Mrs. Cassius [Lena] Wallace & Mrs. Walker [Nannie] McGuire.]
She was the widow of the late Lewis J. Smith, once a most prominent citizen of this county, and who preceded her to the grave several years ago. Mrs. Smith was one of the best known and best loved women of Jackson County, where she will be missed by a large circle of friends.
The funeral was held Tuesday, March 30th.
(Jackson County Journal, Sylva, North Carolina, Friday, 2 April 1915)

Clara Almira Coward, daughter of Nathan Coward and Jane Rogers Coward,was born at Cowarts, N.C., March 2, 1847. She was of medium height and weight, with brown eyes and dark brown hair. Unlike many other Cowards, she did not become grey-haired early, but kept her brown hair. She married Lewis J. Smith, Sr. She attended private school and had a very good education for her day. She was a hard working woman, and a good manager. She seemed to find time for everything. Beside running her house and providing well for her large family, she did much work for the betterment of her community. She was an active church member, and one of the organizers of the first Women'sMissionary Society of the Methodist Church of Cullowhee, N.C. She died March 29, 1915. She was kind and generous. Her home was an open-house to her many friends and relatives.
(Linden J. Coward, NATHAN COWARD-JANE ROGERS FAMILY AND RELATED FAMILIES: A FAMILY HISTORY. [South Carolina], June 1953, pp.16-17)

Information provided by David Coward #47167269