John Sullivan, city assessor, residence 236 East Second Street, Erie, Pa., was born in Bantry, county Cork, Ireland, February 15, 1840, and is a son of Thomas and Ellen (McCarthy) Sullivan, both natives of county Cork. Thomas Sullivan was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1886, aged 68 years. His wife departed this life in 1893, aged 90 years. To this couple were born five children: John, Michael, a farmer on the old homestead in Ireland; Thomas, a gold miner in Australia; Humphrey, county assessor for the First ward, Erie; and Margaret, wife of John Donavan, of Ireland. John Sullivan was reared on a farm, educated in the common schools, and worked on the home farm till his 23rd year, when he came to America, landing in Boston in 1863, where he worked as a laborer till 1871, when he came to Erie, arriving May 24. He secured work at the Anchor Line elevators, and in 1874 was made time-keeper and served for four years. He continued in the employ of the company till 1887, when he was elected ward assessor, serving till 1893, when he was elected tax collector for the First ward, serving four years. Mr. Sullivan was married, in 1865, to Miss Ann, daughter of Timothy Dillon, of Rosscarbery (Ros O gCairbre), county Cork, Ireland. To them have been born eleven children: Nellie, Margaret, a dressmaker; Thomas, a conductor on the Erie street railway; Mary, a dressmaker; Kate, Hannah, Julia, John (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Humphrey and Annie. Mrs. Sullivan departed this life November 1, 1888, aged 39 years. The family are members of St. Patrick's Catholic Church. He is a member of the C. M. B. A., Branch 12. In politics Mr. Sullivan is a Democrat, and is an honored citizen of his ward.
Nelson's Biographical Dictionary and Historical Reference Book of Erie County, Pennsylvania - 1896
