• back to bios •
History of Leavenworth County, Kansas, by Jesse A. Hall, pub. 1921, p. 353-354
Peter Everhardy, commissioner of finance of Leavenworth, Kansas, is one of the best known men of that city, and is respected by all. He is a native of Ohio, born in Hamilton County, October 27, 1847, the son of Matt and Margaret (Kommer) Everhardy. The former was a pioneer of Cincinnati, locating there in 1837 when the city was in its infancy, and lived there until his death in 1866. His wife died in 1854.
Mr. and Mrs. Matt Everhardy were the parents of the following children: Matt, who died in California in 1905; Mrs. Josephine Paff, deceased; Mrs. Agnes Haag, of Leavenworth; Peter, the subject of this sketch; and Jacob, who died in California a few years ago. The latter left Ft. Leavenworth, accompanied by Matt Ryan, in 1865 for Ft. Laramie, Wyoming, and, on arriving there, the way had closed and prices had fallen to less than one-half, losing them about $30,000.00. They sold their wagons for twenty-five dollars, which cost them $275. Jacob Everhardy eventually located in California, where he engaged in horticultural work until his death.
Peter Everhardy was educated in the public schools of Cincinnati, Ohio. He came to Leavenworth September 2, 1866, and learned the butcher trade with his brother, Jacob. He sold out in 1917, after fifty years of successful business. Peter Everhardy is a public spirited man. He has served the city of Leavenworth three terms as councilman for the Fourth ward, and two terms as sheriff of the county, from 1898 to 1903. After serving as sheriff, he was elected mayor for two terms. In April, 1919, he was elected to his present position, commissioner of finance and revenue. Mr. Everhardy, by his rugged honesty and straightforward conduct, has taken a place at the front rank of Kansas pioneers, who the people delight to honor. He is a capable and conscientious public officer, and his administration of the affairs has always met with approval. He served as jury commissioner during the Populist administration of Governor Llewellen, Morris Franks, of Fairmount, serving with him.
Mr. Everhardy was married February 20, 1873, to Elizabeth Naegel, a native of Cincinnati. She came to Leavenworth in 1868 with Joe Whittaker's family. Mrs. Everhardy died November 28, 1908, and is buried at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Everhardy are the parents of five children: Mary and Clara, both at home; Blanche, a stenographer for the Santa Fe Railroad at Leavenworth; Dr. J. L., of Leavenworth, who married Louise Hesse, a daughter of W. G. Hesse, a pioneer of Leavenworth; and Louise H., who is art teacher at State Agricultural College at Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. Everhardy and daughters live at 510 Seneca street.
