Sullivan, John P.

Submitted by Mike Miller

Sullivan, John P., a lawyer of unusual ability, particularly well grounded in the law and enjoying, as well, a national reputation as a forceful and eloquent orator, has upheld the best traditions of the Southern bar among the leaders of which he has attained a ranking position. Mr. Sullivan has been active in the state military organizations of Louisiana, and prominent in the affairs of many fraternal orders, especially in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, in which order he has received the honor of election to its highest office. Born in New Orleans, March 5, 1875, John P. Sullivan is a native son of Louisiana. He is a son of Patrick and Mary (O'Neill) Sullivan, both of whom were born in Ireland. The father came to the United States about 1855, and 4 years later came from Massachusetts to New Orleans, where for many years he was successfully engaged in the retail grocery business, but is now retired from business activities. John P. Sullivan was reared in New Orleans and educated in the public schools, Jesuit's college and Tulane university. From Jesuit's college he received in 1892 the degree of bachelor of science, and in 1898 he graduated from Tulane university, obtaining the degree of bachelor of laws. In 1913 he received from St. Charles college, Grand Coteau, the honorary degree of doctor of laws. Volunteering for services in the Spanish-American war, Mr. Sullivan was in command of Battery A, Louisiana light artillery, United States volunteers, with the rank of captain, until mustered out in November, 1898. From 1899 to 1904, he served as commander of the battalion of Louisiana field artillery. At the close of the war with Spain, Mr. Sullivan returned to New Orleans and engaged in the practice of law. During the succeeding years he has built up an extensive and lucrative practice. From 1904 to 1907 he was assistant city attorney of New Orleans; from 1907 to 1910, attorney for the state fire marshal's office; and from 1910 to 1912, attorney for the state rating insurance board. While deeply engrossed in his professional work, he has never lost his youthful interest in athletics. Large of stature, he has kept himself in splendid physical condition and, as an amateur, holds a number of records in weight throwing. Since 1905; he has served as president of the Louisiana State Association of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and he is also Past Grand Knight of the New Orleans Council of the Knights of Columbus. As an enthusiastic member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, he has been exceedingly active in the work of the order. Having served as Exalted Ruler of New Orleans Lodge, No. 30, he was elected Grand Exalted Ruler of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America, receiving the honor at the 1911 convention at Atlantic City. He is a member of the national board of directors of the United Irish League of America, and belongs to the Chess, Checkers and Whist club, and the Young's Men's Gymnastic club of New Orleans. In 1900 he married Miss Catherine Fitzpatrick, daughter of Capt. John Fitzpatrick, ex-mayor of New Orleans. They have one daughter, Catherine Marion Sullivan.

Louisiana: Comprising Sketches of Parishes, Towns, Events, Institutions, and Persons, Arranged in Cyclopedic Form (volume 3), pp. 420-421. Edited by Alcée Fortier, Lit.D. Published in 1914, by Century Historical Association.