Joseph S. Tracy, b. 21 Mar 1854

SNODGRASS, WAGNER, FOSTER, TEMPLETON, MOREHEAD, LISTON

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/20/2004 at 23:25:29

Joseph S. Tracy, well known throughout Iron Hill and vicinity, is numbered among the enterprising younger business men of that place, and as a general merchant commands a lucrative patronage. He keeps a well-assorted stock of goods, representing from $3,000 to $4,000, and does an annual trade of probably $9,000 per year. His interests have centered here since his earliest recollection, and in Brandon Township he was born, March 21, 1854. He was reared at the old homestead of his parents, studied his first lessons in the district school, and later attended school at Maquoketa. He grew up amid pleasant surroundings, healthy in mind and body, and well-fitted to take up the duties of life.

Our subject is the son of Henry and Mary (Snodgrass) Tracy, who were natives of Ohio, and are still living at the farm on which the paternal grandfather settled as early as 1835. In former years they were members of the Christian Church, but later identified themselves with the Presbyterians. They are the parents of thirteen children, namely: Joseph S., our subject; Rosina I., deceased; P. Washington; Hugh M.; Elizabeth, Mrs. John Wagner, of Brandon Township; Theodore and William R., deceased; David M., John, Lucretia, and Cora, who remain with their parents; Anna May and Ellen Cordelia are deceased.

Elijah Tracy, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Licking County, Ohio, where he was reared to man's estate, and married Miss Elizabeth Foster. To them there were born three children, the eldest of whom was Henry, the father of our subject. Ellen, the eldest daughter, married Robert Templeton; they came to this county at an early day, and are now living in Brandon Township. Isabelle became the wife of Henry Snodgrass, now deceased, and who was a resident of this county. Grandfather Tracy came to Iowa about 1835, and spent his last days in Brandon Township. They made the journey from Ohio hither overland, with teams, where there was but one log cabin between Iron Hill and the present sight of Maquoketa, and when there was but a mere cow-path to mark out the way. Their lot was the common one of pioneers, and they were fortunately endowed with the courage and resolution to overcome the obstacles which beset them.

The subject of this sketch spent his early life engaged in the lighter labors around the homestead, and followed agriculture mostly until setting about the establishment of a home of his own. With this end in view he was married Sept. 10, 1876, to Miss Mary C., daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Liston) Morehead, of Farmers' Creek Township. For two years thereafter they lived in Brandon Township, and then lived for two years on a farm in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and two years in Farmers' Creek Township, and then, in April, 1885, Mr. Tracy came to Iron Hill and established himself as a general merchant. He has also, since that time, had charge of the post-office. He is a general favorite both in social and business circles.

Mrs. Tracy is a very estimable lady, and a member in good standing of the Free Methodist Church. One of their four children died in infancy. The survivors are: Stella L., Elsa B., and Bert E. Mr. Tracy cast his first Presidential vote for Greeley, and gives his undivided support to the Democratic party.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois)