Humphrey Healey (Robert’s Brother) “Out West”

As told by my dad on Facebook May 17, 2017.  

Robert's older brother was Humphrey Healey (1838-1909?). At the age of 16, in 1855, Humphrey enlisted from his home in New York City in the 10th US Army Regiment (regulars) as bugler. He was stationed at Fort Snelling, Minnesota; in 1857 he crossed the plains with General Harney for the purpose of subduing the so-called Mormon uprising. This operation ultimately resulted in no open battles with the Mormons, and Humphrey served the rest of his enlistment at Camp Floyd, just outside of Fairfield. He was discharged from Utah Territory in 1860. Family history says he was appointed postmaster of Salt Lake City by President Buchanan. I believe it highly unlikely that a 20-something discharged Army bugler would have been given such an appointment. If true, he was probably one of over 20 local  "postmasters" in the City. He married Lucy Ewing, from Missouri and had a half-dozen children. From Utah, he can be traced to Helena, Montana, Ft Benton, and possibly Deadwood. While I have traced many of his descendants, I have not discovered what finally became of him. His nephew and my grandfather, Harry Healey, spent many of his younger years "Out West." I wonder if he ever met up with Uncle Humphrey. Many wild west tales were lived by these men. If only . . .