Tracy, J. S. 1854-1925

TRACY, SNODGRASS, MOREHEAD, LISTON, ANDERSON, RAAB, PIERCE, LOCKWOOD, WAGONER

Posted By: Jo (email)
Date: 5/16/2007 at 22:52:47

MAQUOKETA LOSES ANOTHER OF ITS HONORED CITIZENS
J. S. Tracy, eldest son of Henry and Mary (Snodgrass) Tracy, was born in Brandon township, March 21, 1854 and passed away from this life June 17, 1925, after a long and uncomplaining illness.
His father, Henry Tracy, came with his parents from Pennsylvania to Iowa in 1846, settling on a tract of wild land in Brandon township, hewing out a home among primeval forest and experiencing all the privations and hardships pertaining to pioneer life. It was here that J. S. was born and reared and received his early education in hard work on the farm in summer and the district school in winter. Later he attended the Maquoketa high school and at the age of 20 he began teaching and for six years was one of Jackson county's most successful instructors.
Mr. Tracy laid the foundation for a happy home life in his marriage in 1876 to Miss Mary C. Morehead, second daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Liston) Morehead of Farmers Creek township. They began their domestic life on a tract of land given him by his father near the parental home, cultivating his farm while also teaching school. Thru frugality and hard work he increased his possesions which in a few years he rented to take up the mercantile business at Iron Hill. For 18 years he was intimately connected with this business and thru integrity and business ability acquired a competency and retired to private life. About 22 years ago he with his family moved to Maquoketa and afterwards bought our the grocery store of D. H. Anderson which he conducted for a short time, disposing of same to engage in the real estate business in adjoining states.
Mr. Tracy lived his whole life in Jackson county with the exception of two years spent in farming in Pottawatamie county. Mr. Tracy was a quiet, unassuming man, strictly honest and upright in all his dealings, thereby gaining the confidence and respect of all who knew him.
About 7 years ago he suffered a stroke of paralysis and altho he sufficiently improved to be about again, he never regained his former health and for the last two years had been gradually failing and the last six months was confined to his bed.
Mr. Tracy is survived by his devoted wife and three daughters, Mrs. Stella Raab, Mrs. Elsie Pierce and Mrs. Lutie Lockwood all of Maquoketa; an infant daughter and one son having preceded him to the great beyond. He also leaves three brothers, Hugh and Wash of Maquoketa and John of California, and one sister, Mrs. J. Wagoner of Presho, S. Dak., and two granddaughters, Nadeen and Priscilla Pierce.
Funeral services will be held from the home Friday afternoon at two o'clock with interment in the family lot in Mt. Hope.
DEATH DATE: June 17, 1925
SOURCE: Private collection of newspaper clippings