Patrick J. Brophy was born in County Carlow, Ireland, on August 5, 1855, to Thomas and Johanna Walsh Brophy. One of nine children, he graduated from high school and became an apprentice in the mercantile business in Ireland, before coming to the United States in 1877 at the age of 22. Brophy first went to Chicago, and later moved to Evanston, Wyoming, where he worked for the firm of Beckwith, Quinn and Company for several years. He moved to Butte, Montana, in 1881. With George H. Casey as his partner, he operated a grocery store until 1888, when he formed his own company, dealing in both retail and wholesale groceries. He retired from active management of the grocery business in 1906, but continued to serve as president of the newly formed Brophy Grocery Company. Brophy had a strong interest in mining and pursued it more actively after his retirement. He was a member of the Butte school board, the Knights of Columbus, and the Butte Businessmen's Association. Brophy was also active in the Irish-American League. Brophy married Margaret D'Arcy of Joliet, Illinois, on January 24, 1893. Three children were born of their marriage: Thomas D'Arcy, John A., and Patrick, Jr. In 1902, Margaret D'Arcy Brophy died. Brophy later married Mary E. Ryan, a native of Butte. P.J. Brophy died December 11, 1928, in Butte.