Information includes stories, images and comments about the Patrick Sullivan/Rose Corcoran family from Ireland. For additional information on the family, visit my Website at: http://McIntyreGenealogy.com Please share your stories and comments on this Blog so we can add a little "color" to the Sullivan/Corcoran family.
Soraghan Farm 2011
Patrick Soraghan/Sullivan Farm, Dennbane, Co. Cavan, 2011
About Patrick Sullivan and Rose Leddy
About Patrick Sullivan and Rose Corcoran
Not much is known about Patrick Sullivan except that he lived in Dennbane/Denbawn, Denn Parish, County Cavan, Ireland. Records have been located which express the Sullivan last name with the Soraghan/Soroghan/Sorohan spelling. His wife, Rose (c1804-1874), is identified in various documents as having the maiden name of Leddy, McCabe and/or Corcoran. However, it is believed her maiden name was Corcoran. She also is from Ireland, most likely Drumbarry, Co. Cavan. They had at least 11 children, many which immigrated to the US. The children include: Mary (died before 1915 probably in Ireland); Rose Sullivan (died before 1915 probably in Ireland); Michael (c1829-1915); Ellen (c1830-1900); Thomas (c1831-a1901&b1911 in Ireland); James (c1931-1898); Patrick (c1831-1881); Andrew (c1833-1881); Peter F. (c1838-1896); Philip J. (1840-1915) [See also the Sullivan/Connor Genelaogy Blog]; and Matthew (1841-a1916). It is believed that neither Patrick nor Rose immigrated but lived and died in Ireland.
James Sullivan (1830-1898) is the son of Patrick Sullivan (c1794-1876) and Rose Corcoran (c1805-1874).
Although I knew James Sullivan (1830-1898) was buried in Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Illinois, I never visited the grave site until a couple of months ago.
The family is buried in Section S, Block 17, Lot S22. The plot (20' x 16') was bought by James Sullivan on March 18, 1892.
James Sullivan (1830-1898) and Ann (McGivney) Sullivan (1836-1915)
Andrew W. Sullivan (1866-1964) Son of James and Ann.
Chauncey (Edmund) Sullivan (1890-1900), Son of Peter Sullivan (1858-1914) and Margaret McCarthy (1864-1924)
Donald Sullivan (1913-1914) Son of Joseph Sullivan (1877-1962) and Grace Pomeroy (1882-1919)
Dr. Francis J. Sullivan (1873-1943) Son of James and Ann
James M. Sullivan (1863-1892) Son of James and Ann
Mary A. Sullivan (1860-1925) Daughter of James and Ann
Michael H. Sullivan (1867-1958) Son of James and Ann
Owen Sullivan (1869-1922) Son of James and Ann
Peter J. Sullivan (1858-1914) Son of James and Ann
Rose E. Sullivan (1862-1937) Daughter of James and Ann
Baby Graser (1916-1916) Child of Agnes Sullivan (1880-1964) E. A. Graser
Thomas P. Sullivan (1856-1936) Son of James and Ann
The plot contains 14 graves with 13 flat grave stones (James and Ann's stone is combined into one)
Photographed by Elaine M. Beaudoin, December 21, 2020.
Also on the grave card is printed "Adele Sullivan visited Calvary 5-23-72. All Children of purchaser are deceased. Adele is one of many (6) grandchildren. Expects to be interned in the family lot as a ? and heir." Adele is the grandchild of James and Ann, daughter of Michael H. Sullivan and Mary McNulty. Adele died October 15, 1992 at the age of 93. Her death notice states she is buried in Calvary Cemetery. To the best of my knowledge, Adele is not been buried in this plot.
This son of Patrick Sullivan (c1794-1876) and Rose Corcoran (c1805-1874) was unknown to me until recently. Last week I was going through old papers that I had collected over the years but couldn't "attach" to the family when I found this death notice from 1881 of a Patrick Sullivan. I initially thought I recognized the "ex-Alderman Michael Sullivan" but I did not recognize Rev. P. F. Sullivan. Also, since the other 8 siblings were not mentioned, I conjectured perhaps this Patrick was not "My" Patrick Sullivan.
But with further investigation, and more knowledge of the family since I initially found the above death notice, I realize that Rev. P. F. Sullivan, pastor of St. Edward's Church in Philadelphia is a child of Patrick Sullivan and Rose Corcoran.
What gave me "proof" was an entry in The American Catholic Who's Who, Vol. 1. Listed was a Francis P. Green. His wife is listed as "Annie Reilly, niece of the Rev. P. F. Sullivan, rector of St. Edward's Church, Philadelphia." Annie Reilly Green is the daughter of Rose Sullivan (c1845-b1915) and Francis P. Green (1872-a1915). AND, Rose is the sister of the above noted Patrick, Michael and P. F.!
I always wondered if there were any children born between Andrew Sullivan (1833-1881) and my great grandfather Philip (1840-1915). Now I have one! Also, when Michael Sullivan c1826-1915 (ex-Alderman) died, his probate stated that Patrick and Rose had eleven children but there were only 10 listed. So, locating this eleventh child solves that mystery too!
I haven't located a photo of Peter F. Sullivan yet, but here is the church in Philadelphia he served as pastor from 1873 until his death in 1896.
The church was consecrated in 1865 and closed in 1993.
In the 1860 US Census, Peter Sullivan is listed as a seminarian living in Philadelphia. It says his age is 22 and he was born in Ireland.
Peter F. Sullivan was ordained on February 27, 1863 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (The Records of the American Catholic Historical Society of Philadelphia, Volume XXXII, page 87). Following his ordination, he stayed one month at the Easton parish of St. Bernard's Church. Peter also severed at St. Paul's Church in Philadelphia prior to going to St. Edward the Confessor parish. (Catholicity in Philadelphia; from the earliest missionaries down to the present time, Joseph Louis J. Kirlin author, 1909, J.J. McVey press, Philadelphia).
He died on May 9, 1896 in Philadelphia of a rupture of the heart and is buried in the New Cathedral Cemetery in Philadelphia.
Now, all the children of Patrick and Rose (Corcoran) Sullivan are accounted for. Yeah!
Additionally, I may have solved another mystery - that of the six men in the photo. See the blog post entitled "Mystery Picture on the Wall."
Sometime after Andrew O'Sullivan's 1909 graduation from The Royal College of Science for Ireland, he became the agricultural inspector for the Mallow area of County Cork. It is believed this photo might show him having judged and/or participated at an agricultural event in the area. Andrew is sitting in the center of the photo holding a pipe. I wonder if it is possible that the group of individuals pictured here were part of the Cork County Committee of Agriculture.
Photo c 1917-1921
Note: The Cork County Committee of Agriculture was founded in 1901 and existed until 1988. For more information on the Committee refer to the Descriptive List of documents held by the Cork City and County Archives: http://www.corkarchives.ie/media/CC-CM-AGweb.pdf. I wonder if there is information about Andrew in these archives?
Photo source: Big thanks to Micil Ryan, great niece of Capt. Andy O'Sullivan, for providing this photo.
Thank you to Eileen Sullivan, third cousin, for providing copies of the death registrations for Patrick and Rose (Corcoran) Sullivan.
Rose was born in Drumbarry, County Cavan in c1805 per the 1821 Cavan Irish Census. She died in Denbawn on July 25, 1874 of chronic dyspepsia (which includes painful, difficult or disturbed digestion, sometimes accompanied with symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating and stomach discomfort.) which she had for 6 years. A neighbor, Michael McEvoy, supplied the information for the death registration.
Patrick died two years later in Denbawn on July 3, 1876. He had no medical attendant and was assumed to have died of old age. His son, Thomas Sorahan, was the informant for the death registration.
The death of Mr. Andrew O’Sullivan on Friday, after a 40
days’ hunger-strike in Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, is announced on page 2 of this
issue, but we write of him to-day as an Anglo-Celt,
Scholarship Boy. Our first acquaintance with the deceased was when, as
honorary secretary of Denn, County Cavan, Branch of the United Irish League, he
forwarded resolutions for insertion in this paper. At that period of twenty
years ago, there was a good deal of annoyance in that parish in connection with
the action of a person who had given a considerable amount of unnecessary
trouble to the farmers of the district, and bearing on this man’s doings, the
resolutions from the local branch of the U. I. L. came in regularly with the
name of Andrew O’Sullivan attached.
After the insertions of these resolutions for some months we
met Mr. O’Sullivan when he came personally to deliver a further missive on the
subject, and we then discovered that the secretary of this branch was a youngster
of about eighteen years of age. His diction and calligraphy were so excellent
that the young man impressed us, and we inquired if he intended doing anything
in the immediate future beyond helping on his father’s small farm in Denbawn,
and acting as secretary of the Denn Branch of the United Irish League. He said
that he had no plans thought out, and that his present concern was to have the
trouble mentioned in the various resolutions brought to an end.
We suggested that no more resolutions should be sent to this
paper, that an entirely different course of action should be adopted, that
there was not to be an angry word, or any word said, that there was not to be
the smallest violence, that there was to be no insult or harm, but that a week’s
picketing by silent people should be tried, and that at the termination of a
fortnight we would ask for a verbal report. At the end of ten days he called at
our office and intimated that the principal grievance has ended.
We then advised young O’Sullivan, to attend one of the
evening classes which the National Teachers were holding in the rural
districts, and for which the Anglo-Celt
had offered several prizes open to Cavan and surrounding counties for (1) the
best pupil attending each, (2) for the youngest pupil, (3) for the oldest
pupil, (4) and for the best essay on a subject to be named. Young O’Sullivan
said that although he had “gone as far as he could” at school, he would attend
the night classes, the result being that he was an easy winner of the first
prize for the essay.
At that period, in addition to having the iron ore from
Redhill and Smeare, together with the brick clay near Cavan, exhibit at the
Cork Exhibition and the Imperial Institution in London, and samples of the
former sent to Germany, the editor of the Anglo-Celt
had just established a Free Scholarship in Monaghan Agricultural College for
the sons of small farmers or labourers who had been regularly kept to the
National schools, in the hope of giving them such an education in Agriculture
as would enable them to work up to the position of Agricultural Instructors.
The Monaghan establishment, which had been called into being through the
wonderful exertions of Rev. Brother Higgins, of the Christian Brothers’ Order,
was doing splendid work, and this was the place we selected for “our boys.” We
had made a rare find the previous year in the first selection for the
Anglo-Celt Scholarship – which included the payment of all fees in the institution,
maintenance in lodgings in the town of Monaghan, rail fare there and back, and
pocket money during the period.
For the second year’s Scholarship, young O’Sullivan was one
of the 26 to appear for the examination which we held in the Male National
School, Cavan, through the courtesy of the late Mr. Edward Morgan, the then
Principal. The question paper was arranged by Rev. Brother Higgins, copies
printed here, and distribution to the youths when the examination opened, to be
afterwards forwarded to Brother Higgins for his decision. When his report came
to us it was accompanied by a letter which stated that the winner, Andrew O’Sullivan,
was evidently a remarkably clever boy, his answering being far ahead of
anything he (Brother Higgins) had expected. As an indication of what Brother
Higgins meant, it may be said that one of the many questions asked was “to give
a description of the Gulf Stream,” and instead of answering with a few lines,
young O’Sullivan produced a reply which would more than fill half a column of
the Anglo-Celt, and all most
interesting matter.
At the Monahgan Agricultural College he was one of the most
studious, and in the course of time he went to the Model Farm at Glasnevin, and
the, on a scholarship into the College of Science, Dublin, concluding his
career there by being appointed Agricultural Instructor for Cork. From his
first entry to that county he became most popular, discharging his duties as
effectively as might be expected.
The decease possessed a most marvelous memory, and could,
without the smallest difficulty, repeat almost verbatim, any speech he had
heard delivered. An indication of his thoroughness may be gauged from the fact
that on receiving a circular from the Department with a request that they would
be pleased to know of the destination of certain animals then being sent out of
Ireland, Mr. O’Sullivan travelled 153 miles in the same train with a man whom
he observed entering a carriage at a railway station, and who, although
possessing the information, was in no way communicative. But at the end of the
journey young O’Sullivan had found out all he wanted to know.
His passing away is regarded by us as a personal lose, and
his mother and other relatives will know that the condolence which we not
tender is genuinely sincere.
Source: The Anglo-Celt, Saturday, December 1, 1923, Page 1, column 8
Andrew O'Sullivan/Sullivan is the great nephew of Patrick and Bridget (Corcoran) Sullivan and the son of Michael Sorahan (c1836-1909) and Mary Smith (c1856-?). Thanks to Mike Sullivan for sharing this article he found in the newspaper. For more information on Andrew Sullivan click here.
When you do family history you hope to find individuals who made an impact on their world. Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923) is such a person. He gave his life for the cause of a united Ireland.
I haven't connected Andrew Sullivan/O'Sullivan yet to the family but three different sources have told me he is related including Rita Galligan, a neighbor of the Sullivans in Denbawn we met on our 2011 visit to Ireland; my newly found 3rd cousin Eileen Sullivan in Canada whose father was born in Denbawn; and, possibly from a DVD recording from a school reunion in Denbawn/Drumvaddy, County Cavan from 2007. [Update: DNA proves I am related to Capt. Andrew O'Sullivan]
Source: https://republicansinnfein.org/hunger-strike-roll-of-honour/
Note: The Cahill family says the image attributed to Andrew O'Sullivan
second row, left side, is NOT Andrew O'Sullivan
He was a member of the Irish Volunteers, later to become the Irish Republican Army.
Captain Andrew Sullivan was born in Denbawn, County Cavan in 1882, the oldest of eight children born to Michael Sorahan (c1836-1909) and Mary Smith (c1856-a1911).
Line 215 - June 16?, 1882; parents Michael Sorahan and Mary Smith, Dennbane
Andrew Sullivan attended the Royal College of Science for Ireland in Dublin. The mission of the College when it was created in 1867 was to "supply as far as practical a Complete Course of instruction in Science applicable to the Industrial Arts, especially those which may be classed broadly under the heads of Mining, Agriculture, Engineering, and Maufacturers, and to aid in the instruction of Teachers for the local Schools of Science." (Wikipedia, accessed April 20, 2017.)
We believe this photo of Andy may have been taken during his school years in the early 1900s, possibly his graduation photo from 1909. His niece, Teresa Sullivan Cahill, relates the story that after Captain Andy's death, his father Michael Sorahan wore his glasses, like the ones seen in this photo.
Andrew Sullivan c1900s. Photo from the collection of Teresa Sullivan Cahill
Image of diploma courtesy of Teresa Sullivan Cahill, niece.
He eventually became the agricultural inspector for the Mallow area, County Cork and held that position for many years. During the War of Independence Sullivan was the Commanding Officer for Civil Administration in the North Cork area and later in the 1st Southern Cork division. (Flynn, Pawns in the Game). A supporter of the anti-Treaty side during the Irish Civil War, he was arrested and interred on July 5, 1923. Between 1922 and 1923, hundreds of others in all parts of Ireland were arrested by the British controlled Irish police force, without any charge, and were kept in the prisons and internment camps without trial.
In the Autumn of 1923 the conditions in the prisons grew worse and the men and women were being treated as convicts rather than political prisoners. To protest their imprisonment and bring public attention to the cruelty they were receiving, the only "tool" they felt they had at their disposal was a hunger strike.
While on the hunger strike, Andrew wrote to his brother Michael on Nov 7, 1923, the 25th day of the hunger strike. Here is a copy of the letter he sent.
Letter provided by Andrew's grand niece, Michele Cahill. To read a transcription of the letter, go to my website
at www.McIntyreGenealogy.com and locate the entry for Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923)
Teresa Sullivan Cahill, niece, and her brother, Andy Sullivan, nephew, of Captain Sullivan share a portion of the above letter which was recorded and included in the DVD celebrating the 2007 Denbawn and Drumavaddy School Reunion in County Cavan. Thanks to Michele Cahill for providing the clip.
The strike lasted for 41 days. Denis Barry of Cork and Andy O'Sullivan, of Mallow, both died during the hunger strike. Andrew dying on November 23, the day before the hunger strike was called off.
Entry #433, click on image to enlarge; source IrishGenealogy.ie
The death notice in the New York Times, November 25, 1923 reads:
Second Irish Hunger Striker Dies
"Dublin, Nov. 24. - The ending of the hunger strike among the political prisoners of the Irish Free State came too late to save Andrew O'Sullivan of County Cavan, interned in Mountjoy Prison. He died in a hospital yesterday after a fast of forty days."
In The Scotsman, November 26, 1923, page 10 it reads:
Death of Irish Hunger-Striker
"At the inquest on Saturday on Andrew Sullivan, a hunger-striker, who after removal from Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, died on Friday afternoon in a military hospital, a doctor stated that Sullivan went on [a] hunger-strike on October 14, and about a week ago he lost his sight. The jury found that death was due to pneumonia."
Belfast News-Letter, November 25, 1923 has an article about the Roman Catholic Church refusing a Catholic burial for Denis Barry but the article goes on to say:
No Difficulty in O'Sullivans' Case
"The remains of Andrew O'Sullivan, a Republican internee, who died in the military hospital, Dublin, as the result of his "hunger strike" in Mountjoy prison, were interred at the New Cemetery, Sandfield, Mallow, Co. Cork (which is in the Roman Catholic diocese of Cloyne) on Tuesday. The funeral procession was over a mile long. Several priests, including deceased's brother-in-law, took part in the obsequies. Miss Mary MacSwiney and David Kent represented the Republicans, the latter delivering an oration over the grave."
Flynn, Barry. Pawns in the Game, Irish Hunger Strikes 1912-1981, Chapter 4, 2011 addresses the slowing down of the movement after the end of the hunger strike:
"It seemed that the momentum of the strike diminished as it progressed. The Free State government stood firm and the release of prisoners soon started in earnest. Within six months, most of the hunger strikers were released on the condition that they 'be loyal to the Irish Free State.'"
But the effort would re-emerge with a vengeance with the onset of World War II in 1939.
Captain Sullivan's niece, Teresa Cahill, and nephew, Andrew Sullivan, talk about him being buried in Mallow, County Cork. Again, thanks to Michele Cahill for providing the video clip.
A monument has been erected in Mallow, County Cork, on the bridge over the Blackwater River, recognizing several members of the community.
The writing on the monument is in Irish and translates:
"In loving memory of the following officers and the private soldiers of the 5th Battalion of the 4th Cork Brigade Republican Army of Ireland (Irish Republican Army) and who gave their lives defending that Republic."
Two nieces of Captain Andrew Sullivan, Sister Mary Sullivan and Sister Eileen Sullivan, embroidered this piece and presented it to Andrew's mother, Mary Smith Sullivan.
Image of embroidery provided by Michele Cahill, grand niece of Captain Sullivan
"Death before Dishouour - Capt. Andy O'Sullivan - Died in prison Nov 23rd 1923
After 42 Days - hunger-strike"
Now to figure how Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923) and his brother Michael (b1898) fit into the family.
My hypothesis is that Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923) is my second cousin, twice removed.
****DNA HAS PROVED THE CONNECTION*****
Three independent sources have told me Andrew (d1923) is related to the extended family.
The 1901 Irish Census lists an Andrew Soroghan, son of Michael (bc1836) and Mary Smith.
The 1911 Irish Census does not include Andrew (d1923) with the family in Denbawn, but an Andrew O'Sullivan is listed living as a border on William O'Brien Street, in Mallow, County Cork. His age is given as 27 and states his occupation has something to do with agriculture, unfortunately, at the present I cannot read the entry completely.
It is believed Andrew (1882-1923) is the oldest son of Michael Sullivan/Sorahan (bc1836) and Mary Smith and therefore could reasonably be named after his grandfather, Andrew, the supposed father of Michael (bc1836). This was the custom in Ireland at the time.
On the 1821 Irish Census for Cavan, Patrick (bc1794) is listed with a brother Andrew (bc1801); further the father of Patrick (bc1794) and Andrew (bc1801) is named Michael (b1761). Again, citing the custom of naming the first son after the father's father, the naming custom holds if Michael (bc1836) is the oldest son.
Patrick (bc1797) is my great, great grandfather, which if all of the above holds true, would make Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923) my second cousin, twice removed.
We are about to test this theory using a DNA test on one of Andrew's (b1882) nieces.
****DNA HAS PROVED THE CONNECTION*****
Many thanks to Eileen Sullivan for contacting me in November, 2016 and confirming she is the great granddaughter of Matthew (1841-1923), brother to my great grandfather, Philip (1840-1915). That makes us third cousins. She shared the Denbawn and Drumavaddy School Reunion 2007 video with me which alerted me to the possibility that Captain Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923) might be a relation.
Additional thanks to Michele Cahill, grandniece of Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923), for posting on Facebook about her great uncle and so graciously sharing much of the above information on Captain Andrew Sullivan including a copy of the letter he wrote while in prison, video clips from the 2007 School Reunion and various photos of Andy which were supplied by her Mom, Teresa Sullivan Cahill. Given the results of the DNA testing, Michele Cahill and I are fourth cousins.
The DNA results are in! I am related to Andrew Sullivan (1882-1923), he is my second cousin, 2 times removed. Thank you Teresa Sullivan Cahill for taking the DNA test!
