Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 411 - 412

 W.A. RICHEY, a wealthy resident of Wichita, is now retired from business.  He is a native of Kittanning, Armstrong Co., Pa., and was born Sept. 20, 1844.  He is a son of Samuel and Ann (Boney) Richey, natives of the same county and  State.  His mother, a woman of estimable character and high standing, died at their home in Pennsylvania, in 1863.  His father came to Wichita in 1876, and now makes his home with his children, living in honored retirement from the active labors of life; he is seventy-four years old.  He has four children, namely: W.A., James C., Samuel E. and Mrs. Mary Drake, all of whom reside in Wichita.

      The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native State.  In 1860 he went into the oil regions of Pennsylvania, and found a position as clerk in a store.  On the 1st of September, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, 78th Pennsylvania Regiment, and shouldering his musket went bravely to the front, where he remained until the last battle was fought, and the longed-for peace between the North and South was at last declared.  During the last part of the war he was in the 1st Division of the 14th Army Corps.  He fought in the battle of Stone River, and in the numerous engagements under Gen. Sherman from Chattanooga to the sea, thence from Savannah to Washington, to take part in the grand review of the armies.  After that he went to Louisville, Ky., where he was mustered out of the service.  After the war our subject engaged as a traveling salesman until he came West.

      In April, 1872, Mr. Richey decided to settle down in Wichita.  Here he built and managed a hotel, know as the Richey House; it was the first house built on East Douglas avenue.  He readily adapted himself to his new position as "mine host", and by his genial and accommodating spirit, and careful attention to the comfort of his guests, became very popular, and secured a large patronage.  He continued in the management of his hotel until November, 1887, when he retired to private life, having acquired a fortune in that business, and in various judicious investments of his capital.  He owns a good deal of valuable real estate here, and has laid out two additions to the city.  He is also the owner of one of the finest farms in Grand River Township.  Several years ago he pre-empted 160 acres of land there, the southeast quarter, section 2, town 27, range 4 west, and bought the 160 acres adjoining it.  This tract of 320 acres is well under cultivation, and is a good source of income.

      The marriage of our subject with Miss Emma C. Colby, of Burlington, Kan., took place March 5, 1871.  They have one child living-Eugene A.

      Mr. Richey is a stockholder in the Wichita Watch Factory, and is one of the Directors of the Wichita Mining and Investment Company.  As a citizen he is  influential and active in public affairs.  In politics he is a Kansas Democrat, and a National Republican.  He has been since 1878 Captain of Company A, 2d  Regiment of the famous Kansas National Guards, one of the oldest organizations in the State.  He is also Notary Public.

     Since Mr. R's residence here Wichita has grown from a small settlement with grass growing in the streets, to a flourishing metropolis, with fine avenues, elegant buildings, and a general air of thrift and business, such as only a city with the varied enterprises such as are actively carried on here can have.  In this prosperity he has been an important factor, and has contributed liberally to the support of the various works for the improvement of the city.  Our subject is a member of both the Masonic fraternity, and of the order of Odd Fellows.  Both he and his wife figure prominently in the social life of this lively city, and their home is rendered very attractive to a large circle of friends by the culture and geniality of the host and hostess.

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