Timothy
Tracey, one of the enterprising and representative agriculturists of
Cherokee county, is the owner of an excellent farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 9, Marcus township. His birth occurred in La
Salle county, Illinois, February 12, 1873, his parents being Michael
and Mary (Mahoney) Tracey, both of whom were natives of County
Tipperary, Ireland. The father emigrated to the United States at an
early day, locating in New York, where he remained for some time.
Subsequently he made his way to Illinois and in that state was engaged
in coal mining and teaming for a time. He next turned his attention to
general agricultural pursuits, cultivating rented land in La Salle
county until the time of his removal to Plymouth county, Iowa, where he
operated a rented farm for six years. On the expiration of that period
he came to Cherokee county and purchased the tract of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 9, Marcus township, which is now in possession
of our subject. The cultivation and improvement of this property
claimed his attention throughout the remainder of his life, his demise
occurring January 8, 1908. In his passing the community lost one of its
substantial agriculturists and esteemed citizens. His widow still
survives and makes her home with her son Timothy.
In the
acquirement of an education Timothy Tracey attended the schools of
Plymouth and Cherokee counties and after putting aside his textbooks
assisted his father in the work of the home farm until the latters
death. The property has since remained in his possession and in its
operation he has won success, annually gathering good crops which find
a ready sale on the market.
On the 26th of April, 1910, Mr.
Tracey was joined in wedlock to Mrs. Mary (Athmer) Unkruer, a daughter
of Bernard and Caroline (Meemen) Athmer, natives of Germany, who
emigrated to America as young people. They resided in St. Louis for
some time and subsequently removed to Clinton county, Illinois, where
they have since remained on a farm. Mr. Tracey has three children,
namely: Michael, two years old; Bernard, who is in his first year; and
Joseph, a stepson, who is fourteen years of age.
Since age
conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Tracey has supported the
men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the principles
of that party. In religious belief, he is a Catholic. Marcus township
numbers him among her successful and respected citizens, and the fact
that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him from
boyhood is an indication that his life has been at all times honorable
and upright, worthy of the high esteem in which he is uniformly held.
Source:
"History of Cherokee County, Iowa Volume II Illustrated." Chicago: S.
J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914. Note: TRACEY was misspelled THACEY
in the original source document throughout this entry. Corrected 1
December 2025 following input from descendants. |
