SULLIVAN, J. W.

SULLIVAN, FITZGERALD, CARDINGLY

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/19/2003 at 21:49:16

Biography reproduced from page 72 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

J. W. Sullivan, who is prominent in financial and legal circles of Algona, was born in La Salle, Illinois, June 13, 1862, his parents being Timothy and Mary (Fitzgerald) Sullivan, both of whom were natives of County Cork, Ireland. The father came to the United States when he was twenty-one years of age and located in La Salle, Illinois, where he lived until 1871. In that year he came to Iowa and settled in Johnson county near where the town of Lone Tree is now situated. He resided upon a farm in that vicinity until his death which occurred in 1891. Mrs. Sullivan is residing in Iowa City, Iowa. To their union eight children were born, four of whom are living, namely: J. W., the subject of this sketch; Daniel, who is residing in Muscatine, Iowa, and conducting a real-estate business; and Nellie and Kate, who are at home.

J. W. Sullivan pursued his education in the public schools and later entered Hiatt’s Academy at Iowa City. Subsequently he was graduated from the law department of the State University at Iowa City, in the class of 1887, and was immediately admitted to practice before the state and federal courts. After his admission to the bar he began practicing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in the firm of Sullivan & Royde. He remained in that city for one year before going to Iowa City, where he entered the office of Rank & Wade. Subsequently, in April, 1890, he came to Algona and engaged in practice independently. In 1894, however, he formed a partnership with S. W. McMahon under the firm title of Sullivan & McMahon. His practice has brought him before the attention of the entire community and also the bar of Kossuth county. He has been a candidate for both district judge and judge of the supreme court.

In 1895 Mr. Sullivan was married to Miss Essie Cardingley, whose birth occurred in Canada but who is of English-Scotch-Irish extraction. Her father is eighty-four years of age and is residing with Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. He is a pioneer shoe merchant of Algona. To Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan one child has been born, Wade W., who is eight years of age.

In politics Mr. Sullivan is a stalwart democrat, and takes an active interest in the political situation of the country. He has served as city attorney for one term, was a member of the school board for fifteen years and is at present president of the board, an office which he has held for eight years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Catholic church. He has a strong, analytical mind which gives him penetrating insight into the most difficult, complex problems, and his judgment is considered wise, sound and accurate.

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