J. P. Leary was the pioneer printer and newspaper proprietor of Palmerston North. In partnership with Mr George Bond, he founded the "Manawatu Times" in 1875 and although he soon sold his interest in the newspaper he continued in business as a printer. During the 1890s he was an agent for the sale of pianos and founded a music store under the name of J. P. Leary & Co. Mr Leary was married twice, his first wife being a Miss Austin from Foxton. By her he had a daughter Phoebe who died during an operation. He later re-married to Mrs Carty of Wellington, but there were no children by this marriage. Mr Leary died at Palmerston North 27 October 1921, aged 82.