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Encyclopedia Dubuque

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AGARD, Mary C.

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AGARD, Mary C. (Missouri, Dec. 29, 1842--Dubuque, IA, Sept. 1,1929). Agard directed several charitable organizations that helped relieve hardship conditions in Dubuque following the CIVIL WAR. When the Women's Relief Corps attempted to come to Dubuque, the mayor asked Agard's help in organizing the chapter.

Agard directed the work of the Corps during the Spanish American War. A large fair and bazaar were staged in the Armory to benefit Dubuque soldiers. More than $500 was raised to purchase cemetery lots for the deceased. A visit to her sons stationed with the Third Iowa in Jacksonville, Florida, led Agard to be named "the little mother of the regiment" for her obvious desire to help.

During WORLD WAR I, Agard directed the assembly of 1,200 comfort kits for American soldiers. She was credited with personally cutting the pattern of each bag. While chairperson of bag-days, Agard raised nearly $3,000.

Locally, Agard played an important role in the work of MOUNT PLEASANT HOME. Her service included terms as president and member of the board of directors. She organized the Shiloh Circle and served as its president, belonged to the Ladies of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) and held the office of president for three years. She was also the president of the General Fitzhugh Lee auxiliary of the Spanish American War Veterans. Agard organized the local response to the Belgian Relief Fund, an effort to gather funds and used-clothing for the homeless in Europe.