The alderman from the first ward, though a
comparatively young man, is very well known as a city
official of long standing and Democratic persuasion.
In the year 1848 he was born in the first ward, where he
has resided, for the most part ever since. His
school days were commenced in one of our public schools,
and the learning he acquired there and subsequently in
select schools constituted his education. About
five years ago William H. Tracy was admitted by his
father as a member of the firm of Tracy & Son, in the
manufacture of mineral waters, ginger ale, etc., a
business which has been conducted some years before by
Jeremiah Tracy, the senior member of the firm.
William H. Tracy was elected alderman to represent the
first ward in the year 1874, and that was the first
public office he ever held. He has since been
twice re-elected to the same position, having served in
the board six years already, and now beginning another
term. Before the executive board had control of
the fire department he was chairman of the fire
department committee of the common council. During
his second term he served as chairman of the poor
committee, and for two years been at the head of the
lamp committee. He has a strong hold upon his
party and can ask as much of the common council with a
good prospect of receiving it as any other alderman,
