Des Moines County Iowa Biographies Project John M. Mercer, of the law firm of Tracy & Mercer, Burlington, Iowa, was born at Kewanee, Henry Co., Ill., Aug. 28, 1858, and is a son of William and Sarah C. (Miller) Mercer, both of whom were born in County Down, Ireland, of Scotch origin, and are members of the Presbyterian Church. They emigrated to America when quite young, and are both living, being residents of Burlington. Mr. Mercer is foreman in the engine painting department of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and has held that position for the past eighteen years. John M. Mercer came to Burlington with his parents in 1859, was educated in the city schools, and began reading law in the office of Newman & Blake, a prominent law firm of Burlington. Later he entered the State University of Iowa, at Iowa City, graduating from the law department in the class of '80, and then accepted a position as private secretary to Judge Joshua Tracy, practicing his profession as opportunity afforded. In 1882 he formed a law partnership with S. K. Tracy, their business being largely railroad litigation for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Company, and continued in that connection until 1884, when the partnership was dissolved, and the existing one formed with George S. Tracy, son of Judge Joshua Tracy. Mr. Mercer was united in marriage at Burlington, Feb. 23, 1881, with Miss Jennie M. Bernard, daughter of Cornelius Bernard, an early settler of that city. By their union four children have been born-- Herbert M., Harry B., Paul R. and Jane A. In his political views Mr. Mercer is a Democrat, and has been in public office several years, having served as Clerk of Burlington Township, was elected City Clerk in 1882, and with the exception of one term, has held the office continuously since, being its present incumbent. He is also in the service of the United States as Surveyor of Customs for the port of Burlington. Mr. Mercer is a talented young lawyer, who possesses a good knowledge of his profession, combined with fine executive ability, and makes an efficient and popular public officer.