TRACY, MARY (MOREHEAD)

TRACY, MOREHEAD, LISTON, RAAB, PIERCE, LOCKWOOD, BERKLEY

Posted By: bj denahey (email)
Date: 5/24/2007 at 16:19:24

Maquoketa Excelsior, Maquoketa, Iowa
Tuesday, August 4, 1925
Passing of Mrs. J. S. Tracy

As the pen is inadequate in picturing the beauty of the lily or the fragrance of the rose, just so it falls far short in depicting the noble qualities in a pure sweet life.

If two words only could be taken from the vocabulary of Mrs. Tracy's many virtues they would be "love" and "sacrifice," Love of home, of friends, of church and of all that is good and ennobling and "Sacrifice" for those she loved.

There was no duty so strenuous or labor so ardous but she would freely give of her time and strength thinking only of others. She was a quiet unassuming woman and to know her was to love her. She counted friends by her acquaintances.

In the long illness of her husband she cared for him until declining health forced her to relinquish that vigilence, wishing and hoping she might be spared to care for him till the end came. Her wish was granted and friends hoped that there after she might thru rest and care, regain some of her former health. But the will of the "Father" who doeth all things well, willed otherwise and just after midnight, July 31st, a pure, gentle soul, winged its way to the Father whom she had served so long. She was converted under the pastorate of Rev. Thompson about 40 years ago and has been a faithful member of the Free Methodist church ever since.

Mary C. Tracy, youngest daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Liston Morehead was born on the home farm near Iron Hill August 16, 1856 and departed this life July 31, 1925 in her 70th year.

She grew to young womanhood in the home vicinity and in 1876 was married to J. S. Tracy, her former teacher. To this union were born 5 children, four girls and one boy. One daughter died in infancy and the only son Bertie Eugene in 1906, just as he was approaching young manhood.

Mrs. Tracy was a dutiful daughter and unless something unpreventable interfered she always found time to pay a visit to mother every day as long as mother remained, to cheer and comfort her in her declining years.

"Honor they father and thy mother" was her motto and "Thy children will rise up and call thee blessed." and her daughters who have inhereted the same family ties have repaid her many fold.

Those left to mourn the loss of this noble woman are three daughters: Mrs. Stella Raab, Mrs. Elsie Pierce and Mrs. Lutie Lockwood and one sister, Mrs. Martha Berkley and two grand children, Nadine and Priscilla Pierce, all of Maquoketa and one brother, Mr. Atwood Morehead of Iron Hill, besides numerous relatives in Maquoketa and vicinity.
"Sunlight fades at eventide,

Stars are not always bright.

Stormy ways and cloudy days

Dim earth's brightest light.

Beacons have gone out at sea

And ships astray have sailed

But Mother's love will always be

The light that never failed.

The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon, Rev. Cunningham officiating. Burial at Mt. Hope cemetery.