MARTIN F. TRACY

TRACY, CALLAHAN, BITZ, REIS

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/15/2004 at 22:10:47

"Among the efficient farmers of Jackson township is Martin F. Tracy, who owns one hundred and sixty-two acres of land on section 5. He was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, on the 19th of March, 1875, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Callahan) Tracy, both natives of Ireland. In 1862 they emigrated to American and located in Pennsylvania. The father served during the Civil war in the Union army and has at all times proved a public-spirited citizen. Hi is still living in this county but the mother is deceased.

Martin F. Tracy remained under the parental roof during the period of his minority and upon beginning his independent career decided to follow the occupation to which he had been reared. He operated rented land for six years but at the end of that time had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy one hundred and sixty-two acres on section 5, Jackson township. He took up his residence upon that place and in the intervening years has erected a number of good buildings and otherwise improved the farm. He raises all kinds of stock.

Mr. Tracy was married in 1901 to Miss Emma K. Reis, who was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, and is a daughter of G. W. and Margaret (Bitz) Reis, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to American many years ago and both passed away in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Tracy are the parents of eight children, namely: Raymond E., Margaret, Irene, Mary, Elma, Martin F., Marcella and G. M., who is deceased.

Mr. Tracy is a stanch democrat and is now filling the office of township trustee. Fraternally he is identified with the Woodmen of the World, and both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. They are widely known throughout the county and those who have been most intimately associated with them hold them in the highest esteem."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.