Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 556 - 558 

OLIVER MULVEY, Ph. D., City Engineer of Wichita, has attained marked distinction in his profession, and is widely known as a gentleman of scientific attainments. He is a native of Madison, Ind., his birth taking place there June 7, 1837. His grandfather, Michael Mulvey, was born in Ireland, and being a poor Irish lad was apprenticed in early life to an uncle to learn the tailor's trade. Later he was drafted into the British service in an underhand manner, but preferred leaving the country rather than enter the English army. The following is his story:

            One day his uncle sent him to the military barracks with a suit of clothes he had made for one of the officers stationed there. He was well known at headquarters, and being a good singer was asked to sing a song to entertain the boys. As he sang the closing words the officer tossed a shilling to the floor, which the lad picked up, supposing it to be in payment for his having brought the clothes or a reward for the song. The soldiers laughed and told him that by accepting the King's money he was drafted into his service. He at first thought it a joke, but was soon assured that it was a fact, and he was given permission to inform his uncle, who told him on his return that he could no longer harbor him. The plucky youth then resolved that he would emigrate to America rather than enter the army to waste his life in a service for which he had no taste. He bade his friends good-bye, walked to the nearest seaport, and embarked on a vessel bound for this country. On his arrival here he located in New London, Conn., where he prosecuted his trade for some time. Later he established himself in the city of New York as a merchant tailor, eventually dying there. To him and Mary Mulvey, his wife, were born five children - John, Michael, James, Catherine and William.

            The eldest son, John, father of our subject, was born in New London, Conn., in 1806, and was three years old when his parents removed to New York, and there, when he became a man, he learned his father's trade of merchant tailor. In 1826 he migrated to Madison, Ind., where he established himself in his business. He there married Rebecca Collins, formerly of Brownstown, Pa.; she was a sister of the gallant Admiral Napoleon Collins, who captured the Confederate cruiser "Florida" in Bahia Bay, Brazil, during the war of the Rebellion. After marriage they continued to live in Madison for many years, Mr. Mulvey becoming a leading citizen of that city, and for nine years served with distinction as its Mayor. In polities he was prominently identified with the Democrats of Indiana. He was very successful in his business, and amassed a competence. In 1870 he removed with his wife to Chicago, Ill., where they still reside. They are the parents of three children: Julius, a lawyer of Chicago, where he established himself in 1854; Oliver; and Mary, wife of W. G. Westgate, a hardware merchant, of Chicago. There has been no death in the family, although Mary, the youngest, is forty-four years old.

            Our subject received his education in Hanover College, Indiana, being graduated therefrom in 1859, with the degree of B. S. Previous to entering college he had learned the trade of machinist. After graduation he worked at photography for awhile. He has a natural aptitude for chemistry and kindred sciences, and was always engaged in some chemical work. He was also during those years often engaged as a surveyor.

            The marriage of our subject to Miss Margaret Chapman took place in 1862. She was born in Madison, Ind., and was a daughter of John and Mary A. Chapman. By this union three children have been born - Anna R., James O. and Florence C.

            In 1871 Mr. Mulvey moved with his family to Jackson, Mich., where he became engaged as a dealer in hardware and galvanized iron, carrying on an extensive business, which he conducted very profitably for some years. He finally settled up his affairs in that city, and in March, 1879, came with his wife and children to Wichita. We next hear of him in Colorado, where for three years he was employed in assaying, surveying, and also as superintendent of mines. During that time his family continued to live in Wichita, and there, upon his return, he followed private surveying until 1885. In that year he was appointed to the office of City Engineer, and has since devoted his attention almost exclusively to his official duties. His quick, keen intellect, his superior education, training and wide experience, mark him as the right man to fill the important and responsible position he now occupies. In 1884 the degree of Doctor of Philosophy was conferred upon him by his Alma Mater, in just recognition of the honor his attainments and career have reflected upon the college since when a student within its walls, where he had been carefully trained, he had gone forth into the world to win for himself a name and an honorable position among the men of his profession.

            Mr. Mulvey has made judicious investments in real estate since coming here to live, and is, now the owner of considerable valuable property. Our subject is, religiously, a member of the Baptist Church; politically, he is a Democrat, and socially, he is connected with the A. O. U. W. and the A. L. of H., and Civil Engineers' Association. He is characterized by those who have the honor of his friendship as a gentleman in the truest sense of the word, always courteous and genial to those with whom he is associated. He and his wife occupy a distinguished position in the social circles of this community. They reside in one of the palatial homes of Wichita - one of the attractive, commodious brick dwellings - which he erected in 1885, situated on one of the finest residence streets of the city.

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