photo credit: Jim Freer Collection
photo credit: Jim Freer Collection
See East Smethport 2007
View of the major industrial town of East Smethport, PA at the turn of the century. The McKean-Buffalo Railroad serviced East Smethport and the BB& K Connected to the McKean-Buffalo just behind the depot located to the left of this photo.Click here to see a picture of East Smethport 1999.
Click here to view Sanborn-Perris map of 1898 East Smethport.
JAMES M. TRACY, postmaster and merchant, East Smethport, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in April, 1844, a son of Edward and Bridget (Riley) Tracy, natives of County Cavan, Ireland. They came to Philadelphia from their native land, but, thinking a newer country better adapted to their needs, came to Keating township, McKean county, in 1842, and purchased a tract of land for a farm. They were the parents of seven children, James M. being the third son, who during his youth attended the common schools and worked upon the farm. After his marriage, Mr. Tracy remained upon the farm with his parents until September, 1863, Miss Ann, daughter of Bernard and Ann (Gallagher) Burns, natives of Ireland, who came to Union City, Erie Co., Penn., in 1845. Five children have blessed this union, viz.: Thomas A., Mary E., Lillie E., Annie E. and Paul E. In july, 1885, Mr. Tracy was appointed postmaster at East Smethport, which office he still retains. In Politics Mr. tracy is a Democrat, and he and his family belong to the Catholic Church.
McKean County Miner
January 4, 1895
East Smethport's Postmaster Saves Residents From FireThe good people of East Smethport were startled from their New Year's dinner, on Tuesday last, by the dreaded alarm of fire. Rushing from their houses they discovered that the two-story fram dwelling house, situated nearly opposite the W. N. Y. & P. depot, was in flames. A bucket brigade was hastily formed, and under the leadership of James M. Trach, did excellent service. The house was entirely destroyed nearly all the household goods which were down stairs, were save. His loss is $150. The house was owned by G. N. Hackett, of Franklinville, N. Y. His loss is estimated at $200; no insurance.
