Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 957 - 958

P. V. HEALY, a real-estate and Insurance agent, is an active and prosperous businessman of Wichita, Kan. He is a native of Scott, Ky., his birth having taken place in that State Feb. 14, 1848. His parents, John P. and Elizabeth (Drew) Healy, were born in Ireland, and remained residents of that country until after their marriage, They then emigrated to America, and first settled in Scott County, Ky., where Mr. Healy was engaged as a contractor in building the turnpike road. He lived in Kentucky until 1855, when with his family he moved to Illinois and settled in Mt. Sterling, Brown County. There he purchased a farm, and was profitably engaged in farming and stock-raising until his death, which was occasioned by a railway accident, in 1863. His wife survived him, and continued a resident of Brown County until she, too, passed to a higher life, in 1883. To them had been born seven children, six of whom are now living, namely: Ann, Mrs. Wegand; Catherine, Mrs. Gould; P. V., Edward J., John A., and Elizabeth, Mrs. Cook.

            The subject of our sketch was a small boy when he moved with his parents to Illinois, and his boyhood and early manhood were passed on the farm. He received a common-school education and a practical farm training, remaining at home until of age. He then commenced life for himself, his first step being to leave his home and go to Ford County, in the same State, where he was engaged in farming the ensuing seven years. His prospects there were not sufficiently encouraging, however, and he looked around him for something better. The enterprising and growing State of Kansas seemed to him a desirable field for energetic and industrious young men. Accordingly, in 1876, he came to this State and settled in Wichita, where he first engaged in the manufacture of brick, having twenty-five men in his employment. Four months later Mr. Healy sold out, and entered into partnership with H. O. Meigs in the real-estate and insurance business. After three years Mr. Meigs sold out his interest to Mr. Neiderlander, and the business was continued under the firm name of Healy & Neiderlander for four years. At the expiration of that time our subject sold out his interest in the firm to his partner and opened his present office, where he carries on the business alone. Mr. Healy was united in marriage, in 1883, to Miss Nancy Wilkerson, a native of Illinois, and to them have been born one son, Frank, and a daughter, Lucy C.

            The subject of this biographical notice has been actively identified with all enterprises likely to benefit his adopted home, and has materially aided all projects to enhance the welfare of the city, giving liberally to its various educational institutions, and its social and civic organizations. He is now a member of the City Board. He is a large stockholder and director in the State National Bank, also a stockholder in the Wichita Watch Factory, the Kansas Sash and Door Company, and the Wichita Soap Manufactory. Politically, Mr. Healy is a warm supporter of the principles promulgated by the Democratic party. Religiously, he is an influential member of the Catholic Church.

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