“General” Peter Tracy (1841
– 1919) of Liscolman Co. Wicklow and Memphis Tennessee
“General” Peter
Tracy, printer, performer, promoter and larger than life personality.
|
11 February 1877 Memphis daily
appeal
9 February 1878 Public ledger
9 June 1882 Public ledger |
“General” Peter
Tracy, was a charismatic Irishman and was described one of the wittiest, homeliest and most-discussed
characters Memphis had produced. His was a rare, a unique character, and he
filled an unwonted space in the panorama of the city of Memphis. He was born in
Ireland and came to this country when five years old. He settled first in New
York, then moved to Cincinnati, later coming to Memphis. He arrived in
Memphis during the latter years of the Civil war. His sensitive nature
received its first shock, one morning after a raid, on seeing dead horses and
dead men lying on the street in the vicinity of the old post office building,
which was on the way to his boarding house, and this tragic picture was never
effaced from his memory. After the war,
Memphis society, as well as commerce, was disorganized, and in the work of
reconstruction his talents found ample room for exercise. Intuitively
grasping the proprieties and elegancies, he gave them force and being by his
originality and artistic genius, and at one time, by common consent, he was
acclaimed the Pretonius and arbiter elegantiarum of the city. Unless directed
by him, no social function was considered quite as good as it might be. For
years he acted as the official town crier for pending noteworthy events,
announcing the arrival of some notable or the occurrence of something
expected and important, by the firing of bombs. Because of his activities his
friends gave him the military title which remained with him through life. In
civic affairs he was equally active. Physically above the average size, he
was a plexus of nervous energy that never knew fatigue, and it was often said
of him that he "put Memphis on the map". His public services were
handsomely recognized by the Chamber of Commerce by electing him an honorary
member for life, an honor bestowed upon but two other distinguished citizens
of Memphis. In the days of his prosperity he gave with prodigal liberality to
all charities and in later days, when for tune's smiles were turned away from
him, he gave as liberally of his time and activity to any cause which could
make life more agreeable for his fellows, and he sought nothing for himself
out of this. He owned
the Tracy Printing Company and seems to have been connecting from the
printing trade in Memphis from as early as 1866. In the ‘Public Ledger’ of
July 17, 1866, he is the agent for a new type of printing rollers, whom they
state that they have “known him for a number of years, we will vouch for his
faithful performance of any contract”. He is still using their address in
1868. In the 1870 Census, he is living
with E. Whitemore, publisher, and J.J. Dubose, editor, of the ‘Public Ledger’. He was a delegate
representing Memphsis at the United Typothetae of America conventions 1891,
1893 and 1897. His
organised lectures for George Francis Train in 1868, whose address in public
notices was given as Burton House Cincinnatti. In 1871 he supported him as an
independent presidential candidate. The
first reference to his nickname was in 1874, where he is described as Field
Marshal General Peter Tracey, author of the ‘Tracy Fling’. The "Tracy Fling,"
is described as a double waltz, a la "Boston Dip," but preserving
the steps and as simulating the movements of the "High land Fling"
It is a difficult waltz, but is destined to become popular' in Memphis and
elsewhere. Although there were other nicknames, ‘general’ became the standard
due to his pyrotechnic displays. His first display was on the 4th
July 1878 when some thirty thousand people lined Front Street to watch Peter
Tracy's fireworks. They became an attraction In 1875
he was the manager of the Memphis Theater, which he used for many of his
charity functions. In 1877,
he was offering balloon rides to the public. In 1882,
he became the agent for Oscar Wilde’s tour in the southern states. He offered
large box-office guarantees to Wilde, who was eager to visit the cradle of
secession. Wilde entered Tennessee after delivering his Decorative Arts
speech at the Grand Opera House in Cincinnati, Ohio, the night before. It was
probably significant that in Memphis Peter Tracy replaced Morse temporarily
as Wilde's manager. In 1884,
he portioned the Memphis Town Council for the use of the Chickasaw Bluff for
a roller coaster and in 1886 a crowd exceeding 6,000 attended the opening of
General Peter Tracy's "Toboggan," a 19th-century amusement park
ride that simulated a downhill toboggan ride. During Gov. Rye's
incumbency Gen. Tracy was local coal oil inspector. After a long and
an active life, filled with good deeds and good cheer, he died on the 27th
February 1919 following complications of a stroke. His only known immediate relatives are his
sisters residing in New York. No
services were held in Memphis, but requiem high mass was celebrated in
Cincinnati. He was buried in the family plot beside the body of his mother. |
Examples of
his printing works
|
United
Confederate Veterans 11th Annual Reunion Chromolithograph, Memphis 1901 |
16 to 1 ... the speech that won the nomination ...
at the National Democratic Convention at Chicago, 1896
|
Family Notices
1870
Census - 4 Ward Memphis Shelby Tennessee
E Whitmore
M 36 Tennessee,
printer & publisher
Bettie
Whitmore F 30 Tennessee
Peter
Tracey M 28 Ireland,
presseur?
Jas
Crampton M 22 Mississippi,
printer
J J Dubese
M 30 Tennessee,
editor "Ledger"
Peter
Tracy married Mrs Mary Young 2 Dec 1876 Shelby Tennessee Bond/Witness: Peter
Tracy & James Doyle [their marks]
1880
Census - 95 Vance Street, Memphis, Shelby, Tennessee
Peter
Tracy Self M 37
Ireland, father Ireland Mother
England, Retail Grocer
Mary Tracy
Wife F 33 Cleveland OH
Frankie
Tracy daughter M 0 TN
John Tracy
Son M 6 TN
1900
Census - 20 Madison Street, Memphis city Ward 3, Shelby, Tennessee
Peter
Tracy, head, 57, single, b. Jul 1843 Ireland, parents born Ireland, unknown
emigration, owner of printing office
Peter
Tracy, died 27 Feb 1919 Memphis Shelby Tennessee, Single, 76 years, b. 1843
Ireland, Burial Cincinnati Ohio
Peter
Tracey
Birth: 1842
Death: Feb. 27, 1919
Burial:
Saint Joseph New Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio, USA
https://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=129227326
Michael Tracy/Tracey & Anne Moran of Liscolman
Michl Tracy b. 4 Nov 1838 Sp John & Sally Donolanc? Clonmore Parish
Pat Tracy b. 2 Feb 1840 Sp Pat Moran & Anne Kehoe Clonmore Parish
Peter Tracy b. 18 Jul 1841 Sp Michl & Mary Tracy Clonmore Parish
Anna Tracey b. 4 Jun 1843 Sp Thomas Tracey & Mary Tracy Clonmore Parish
Thomas Tracy b. 1 Sep 1844 Sp Patt Tracy & Bridget Kehoe Clonmore Parish
Ellen Tracy b. 11 Mar 1847 Sp Arthur & Bridget Smith Clonmore Parish
Sara Tracy
b. 6 May 1849 Sp Patt Smith & Mary Brennan Clonmore Parish
Mickl. Tracey, age 41, Farmer, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Ann Tracey, age 35, Immigrant, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Mickl. Tracey, age 13, Immigrant, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Pat Tracey, age 11, Immigrant, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Peter Tracey, age 09, Child, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Ann Tracey, age 07, Child, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Thomas Tracey, age 05, Child, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
Sarah Tracey, age 02, Child, Ireland to USA, Liverpool: West Point 11/04/1851
1860 Census - 15th Ward Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio
Michael Tracy M 55 Irl, labourer
Ann Tracy F 51 Irl
Michael Tracy M 21 Irl, school teacher
Patrick Tracy M 19 Irl
Peter Tracy M 17 Irl
Ann Tracy F 16 Irl
Sarah Tracy F 11 Irl
Ellen Tracy F 7 Ohio
1874 Williams' Cincinnati Directory
Tracey Miss S, seamtress, sds 336 W 9th
Tracy Anna, seamtress, sds 336 W 9th
Tracy Michael, lab h 336 W 9th
1880 Census - 339 Ninth (9) Street Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio
Michael Tracy Self M 71 IRE, retired grocer
Annie Tracy Daughter F 32 OH
Sarah Tracy Daughter F 28 OH, dressmaker
Ella Tracy Daughter F 25 OH, dressmaker
Patrick Tracey married Kate Welch 5 Oct 1871 Hamilton Ohio United States, by catholic priest
1880 Census - Cincinnati, Hamilton, Ohio
Patrick Tracey Self M 38 IRELAND, printer
Catherine Tracey Wife F 33 IRELAND
Florence Tracey Daughter F 0 6/12 OH
Catherine Flood Other F 14 OH, servant
1900 Census - Precinct B Cincinnati City Ward 29, Hamilton, Ohio
Patrick Tracey Head M 58 b. Feb 1842 Ireland, emigrated 1851, 49 years Ohio Na, printer
Kate Tracey Wife F 51 b. Dec 1849 Ireland, 28 years married, 6 child 1 alive, emigrated 1859, 41 years Ohio
Florence P Tracey Daughter F 20 Oh
Sara Tracy died 20 Jun 1930 Silverton Hamilton Ohio, age 82, Single, b. 01 May 1848 Ireland (d. of Michael Tracy & Anna Moran both born Ireland) buried 21 Jun 1930
Ella Tracy, died 7 Apr 1933 Silverton Hamilton Ohio, age 81, single, b. 8 Mar 1852 Cincinnati O., (d. of Micahael & Anne both born Ireland) buried 10 Apr 1933 St. Joseph New cemetery
Florence Tracey died 5 Nov 1936 923 Grand Ave. Cincinnati Hamilton Ohio, 54 years, single, office work, b. 1882 Cincinnati Ohio (d. of Patrick Tracey & Kate Welsh born NY), buried 9 Nov 1936 St. Joseph (new) Cemetery
Jesuit Archives Tracy, M. 6.021
TRACY Mich., n 1,11,1839 Liscolman (Wicklow); i
24,7,1863 Miss; gr 15,8,1876. + 21,9,1884 Cincinnati.
Burial: Saint Joseph New Cemetery, Cincinnati Hamilton County, Ohio,
USA
Michael Tracy
Birth: unknown [1806]
Death: Sep. 7, 1898
From cemetery index: aged 92 years; Son of Michael Tracy
Plot: section 1; lot 28; part S; Division C
Michael Tracy
Birth: unknown
Death: Dec. 6, 1886
Plot: section 1; lot 29; division C
Patrick Tracy
Birth: unknown [1842]
Death: Feb. 1, 1908
Per online cemetery index: aged 66 years; Son of Michael & Ann Tracy
Plot: section 1; lot 29; division C
Sara Tracy
Birth: unknown [1848]
Death: Jun. 20, 1930
Per online cemetery index: aged 82 years; Daughter of Michael & Anna; Buried June 23, 1930
Plot: section 1; lot 29; division C
Newspaper
References
April 24,
1875 Memphis daily appeal
Memphis
Theater...Peter Tracy Manager
May 02,
1875 Memphis daily appeal
The
Orphans Benefit.
Letters of
Thanks to Mr. Peter Tracy - A Fair Division, and the Orphans Well Pleased
Handsome Card from Tracy, Who Declines a Benefit.
May 05, 1880 Public
ledger.
Pyrotechnics for Nashville.
General Peter Tracy has made arrangements to give a grand pyrotechnic display
at Nashville on the night of the 20th of May (Thursday), the same date as the
unveiling of Jack son's statue. Thousands of people will visit the city on that
occasion, and it will be one of the best days of the centennial exposition.
General Tracy gave a similar exhibition of fireworks here on the Fourth of
July, 1878, which was witnessed by an immense crowd, estimated at from 35,000
to 40,000 people, and all were surprised and delighted. We can assure the
people of Nashville that he will give the grandest display ever witnessed in
the south
June 9 1882 Public ledger.
Mr. Rance Anderson a younger brother of Fred T., has
executed the picture of Oscar Wilde and his Southern manager, Peter Tracy, and
it is now on exhibition in McCarthy's window. It is a neat job.
April 10, 1883 Public ledger
Sisters of the Good Sheppard
We, the undersigned, do heartily approve of the having
the concert, [benefit to build an orphanage] and earnestly request Mr. Peter
Tracy to undertake the management of it..
June 02,
1883 The Milan exchange.
It is
rumoured that the next military event will be a big drill at Memphis, under the
auspices of General Peter Tracy first prize, $20,000.Nashville American.
April 15,
1884 Times Picayune
Peter
Tracy on the Bluff.
Mr. Peter
Tracy petitioned the Council yesterday for the use of the Chickasaw Bluff for a
"roller coaster." He says: "Your petitioner, Peter Tracy, a
citizen of the Taxing district of Shelby county, respectfully asks leave to
erect on that part of the unoccupied bluff facing the river, between Monroe
street on the north and Union street on the south, what is called and known as
a 'roller coaster,' for the period of one year, such as is now in use in New
Orleans for some weeks, to the great delight of the inhabitants thereof,
especially the youth of that city; and he prays to be exempted from license,
and to also have the use of so much of said bluffs as he may need for the said
purpose on Sundays from 3 P. M. to 9 P. M., or any other hours after church
services, on that day the council may consent to. The roller coaster is a very
simple method of amusement, from which persons of all ages derive benefit and
enjoyment, and cannot fail to be indorsed by the people here, as has so heartly
been by those of New Orleans, La., Jacksonville, Fa., Nashville, Tenn., and
Toledo, O., and now also in course of erection at Cincinnati, O."--Memphis
Avalanche.
July 6,
1884 Memphis Daily Appeal (Memphis, Tennessee)
The right
to erect a roller coaster at Hot Springs, Garland county, was sold by Mr. Tracy
yesterday to C. A. Leffingwell, an old Memphian. This is a bonanza for Hot
Springs.
1886,
Memphis – a crowd exceeding 6,000 attended the opening of General Peter Tracy's
"Toboggan," a 19th-century amusement park ride that simulated a
downhill toboggan ride.
1888-1890
The New York Dramatic Mirror
Memphis...Peter
Tracy, of the Tracy Printing Company, has been named as manager of the New
Grand Opera House to be opened next year.
February 27,
1919 The news scimitar.
Gen. Peter Tracy At
Death's Door
Gen. peter Tracy,
ages old, known throughout this section of the country as one of the wittiest,
homeliest and most-discussed characters Memphis has produced in half a century,
Is near death's door at the Presbyterian hospital. Ho suffered a stroke of
paralysis some time ago, for which he was first treated at St. Joseph's
hospital. Since Wednesday he has been unconscious. Gen Tracy was born in
Ireland and came to this country when five years old. He settled first in New
York, then moved to Cincinnati, later coming to Memphis. For years he conducted
the Tracy Printing company. He never told his age. His friends say he is 85. As
an impromptu speaker at banquets in his early days, Gen. Tracy was much sought
after, and his witticism made him more or less famous. For years he acted as
the official town crier for pending noteworthy events, announcing the arrival
of some not able or the occurrence of something expected and important, by the
firing of bombs. In the days of his prosperity he gave with prodigal liberality
to all charities and in later days, when for tune's smiles were turned away
from him, he gave as liberally of his time and activity to any cause which
could make life more agreeable for his fellows, and he sought nothing for
himself out of this. During Gov. Rye's incumbency Gen. Tracy was local coal oil
inspector. His only known Immediate
relatives are two sisters residing in New York.
February 28, 1919 The news scimitar
Tracy Funeral To Be
Held Saturday
Body Will Lie in
State Prior to Being Taken to Former Home in Cincinnati. Thousands of Memphiana
who knew and loved the late "General" Peter Tracy, whose death
occurred at the Presbyterian Hospital at 2:45 o clock Thursday afternoon, will
he given their last opportunity of paying respects to his memory Friday
afternoon while the body lies in slate at the McDowell at Monteverde
undertaking iiariors. The body will remain there until 7 o'clock and will be
sent to Cincinnati, his former home, at 8:10 o'clock for burial there. No
services will be held in Memphis, but requiem high mass will be celebrated In
Cincinnati at the funeral services, which will be held Saturday. Burial will be
In the family plot beside the body of his mother. while "General"
Tracy, was 76 years of age, numbered his friends In Memphis by the thousands,
he leaves no relative here, three sisters, residing In New York city, being the
only immediate survivors.
|
March 01, 1919 The news scimitar |
March 01,
1919 The news scimitar Peter Tracy After waiting
until hundreds of his companions. intimates and friends had preceded him into
the shadows and silences. Peter Tracy yielded up his life at the ripe ape of
76 yielded it gracefully and with a smile, as though he were handing a flower
to a little girl. Thus closes inc of the most interesting human chapters in
the history of Memphis. His was a rare, a unique character, and he filled an
unwonted space in the panorama of the city. Coming to this city during the
latter years , of the Civil war, his sensitive nature received its first
shock, one morning after a raid, on seeing dead horses and dead men lying on
the street in the vicinity of the old post office building, which was on the
way to his boarding house, and this tragic picture was never effaced from his
memory. Young, ardent, ebullient and genial, he soon made the leading men and
women of the city his fast friends. After the war, Memphis society, as well
as commerce, was disorganized, and in the work of reconstruction his talents
found ample room for exercise. Intuitively grasping the proprieties and
elegancies, he gave them force and being by his originality and artistic
genius, and at one time, by common consent, he was acclaimed the Pretonius
and arbiter elegantiarum of the city. Unless directed by him, no social
function was considered quite as good as it might be. Because of his activities
his friends gave him the military title which remained with him through life.
In civic affairs
he was equally active. Physically above the average size, he was a plexus of
nervous energy that never knew fatigue, and it was often said of him that he
"put Memphis on the map" by doing, as an individual, what the
commercial bodies are doing now. His public services were handsomely
recognized by the Chamber of Commerce by electing him an honorary member for
life, an honor bestowed upon but two other distinguished citizens of Memphis.
Of late years,
when the infirmities of age began to weigh on him, he took a less active part
in public affairs, but he was always ready to assist with a bright and
valuable suggestion. Tracy always
enjoyed a modest income, but never amassed wealth as he might have done. He
never had a dollar that he felt should remain in his pocket; 'it must go
forth to pleasure or assist someone else. He respected wealth and pitied
poverty, and he taught the one how 'to properly demean itself, and the other
how to mitigate its miseries and improve its condition. He enjoyed no
immunity from errors or imprudences, but he was constitutionally , incapable
of anything questionable, vicious or mean. To catalog his
virtues and good deeds would require a large volume. The sick were always
visited and cheered by him, and made the recipients of some gracious
kindness. Personally he was
companionable and a constant fountain of effervescing wit and humor; and in a
clash of wits he seldom came out second best. He was always optimistic and
hopeful, and radiated cheer on all those around him. He was for long one of
the characters of Memphis, and these are becoming very few and scarce,
because in the crowding and contact the angularities are being worn off and
smoothed, making one man very much like another. After a long and
an active life, filled with good deeds and good cheer, he has been called
hence, and many will miss and mourn him. Had he been given more time he would
have done more good. His spirit was right. |
1919 The
Inland Printer - Volume 63
Peter
Tracy. In the passing of Peter Tracy the printing industry has lost one of its
pioneer workers and the city of Memphis, Tennessee, one of its oldest and
best-known citizens. “General”' Tracy, as he was affectionately known to all,
was born
Ref:
Two
Alabama Historians Write Alabama History: Honoring Robert David Ward. 2008
Tennessee
Historical Quarterly. 2004
Roy
Morris, Jr. (2013) Declaring His Genius: Oscar Wilde in North America
David M.
Friedman (2014) Wilde in America: Oscar Wilde and the Invention of Modern
Celebrity
Southern
Studies 2003
Jeanette
Keith (2012) Fever Season: The Story of a Terrifying Epidemic and the People
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Last update: 03
June 2019