Sarah Tracy

TRACY

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 11/25/2008 at 08:19:17

Jackson Sentinel
February 19, 1935

Expect Arrests in Tracy Murder Case Before Close of Week; Face Many Angles in Tracing of Clues.

Mrs. Sarah Tracy, 77, is Brutally Beaten During Attack by Unknown Murderer Sunday Night.

Sheriff Leo Heinecke and State Agent Joseph Burke of Dubuque said today that arrests in the murder of Mrs. Sarah Tracy were expected in the next few days. The officers have numerous angles on the case which they are now following and unless a sudden break in events occur some time will be required in eliminating various angles of the case.

It is certain that the murder or murderers were known to the victim, otherwise they would not have gained entrance to the home. Officers are of the opinion that their search will reveal that local talent was responsible for the crime, one of the most brutal ever to occur in Jackson county.

It was said that several names have been linked with the crime but in all cases investigation revealed the innocence of the suspect. A report that several persons had been arrested and jailed as suspects is false, it was said today.

A coroner’s jury Sunday evening returned a verdict that the victim was murdered by a person or persons unknown with robbery as the motive and recommended that state and county police officers make a complete investigation.

Mrs. Tracy, who had been employed as scrubwoman in several local offices and business firms including The Sentinel, was said to have possessed a small fortune which has been estimated at from $1,200 upwards to $4,000. She had purchased a casket and also had given several hundred dollars to a local attorney to be used as burial expenses.

Several weeks ago she reports that prowlers had been about her home and on one occasion had shattered a bedroom window in an effort to gain entrance, but were frightened away when Mrs. Tracy threatened them with a corn knife.

The body was discovered last Sunday afternoon by a daughter, Mrs. Daisy Propst, who lives a door north of her mother. Mrs. Propst said that he had noticed a light at her mother’s home late Saturday night and had on Sunday morning called but found the doors locked and presumed that her mother had gone up town. Returning later in the day she found the house still locked and became worried. She went to the kitchen door, which she thought might possibly be one. However, the door was locked but she could see the body lying in a pool of blood.

Authorities were immediately summoned and upon investigation found the victim’s head crashed. A blood smeared automobile crank was nearby, it having been used by Mrs. Tracy for breaking up coal. Several dark hairs were clutched in the victim’s hand indicating that she had put up a terrific struggle. Her dress was torn and her shoes removed by the slayer in his search for money. An empty purse was also found near the body.

Sheriff Leo Heinecke and State Agent Burke of Dubuque, are of the opinion that the slayer was known to Mrs. Tracy as she was known to have kept her home securely locked at all times and was not in the habit of allowing strangers to enter. The authorities also said that robbery was the cause of the crime.

An inquest was conducted Tuesday night by Coroner John W. Jordan with John Jargo, Dr. Harry Sharp and Mrs. Bessie Moyle as members of the jury. Mrs. Raymond Janett, a grandniece, Marton J. Tracy of Davenport, and Omie Tracy of Maquoketa grandsons, Robert Tracy of Maquoketa, a nephew; and Attorney E. L. Schoenthaler, a former employer, testified before the jury.

Mr. Schoenthaler told of the attempt to enter the victim’s home sometime ago and also related how she had given him $225 to be used as burial expense. Other jury member related her fear of an attempted robbery and pointed out that she never allowed strangers in her home.

At the death of her husband several years ago, Mrs. Tracy made all arrangements for the funeral service. She paid for a casket and purchased a lot in Mt. Hope cemetery where a head stone was placed.

Mrs. Tracy had indicated her distrust of banks several times and was said to have brought a large amount of money into the local bank sometime ago to be changed into new bills. The home in which she was murdered is a short distance from the scene of the last murder in the county, which occurred in 1935.

Mrs. Tracy was married July 2, 1875, to James Tracy, who died Aug. 20, 1932. She is survived by one son, Willis of Cedar Rapids, one daughter, Mrs. Daisy Propst of this city; three brothers Haley Greene of Baldwin, Ben Greene of Bernard, and Joseph Greene of Montana; one sister Mrs. Maggie Hute of this city, and three grandchildren.

Remove Guards Thursday From Mrs. Tracy Home
No New Developments Are Revealed in Investigation; Find $1, 898 in Currency Hidden in Home

It was announced today at the sheriff’s office that vigilantes, who had been guarding the Mrs. Sarah Tracy home, would be removed today. Completion of finger print work and other investigation, which had been carried on at the house since the murder Saturday, made the presence of guards unnecessary.

Although it has been reported that authorities have a more or less definite idea as to the identity of the murderer it has been pointed out that no information will be given out concerning the crime until evidence in the case will reach a point where there is no doubt concerning the persons involved.

It is believed that final work on the case will have been completed before the close of the week.

Finding of $1,895 in the kitchen of the home late Wednesday afternoon by vigilantes has settled to some extent the question as to just how much money was stolen by the murderer. It was known that the victim carried a sum of money, but the amount has not been established.