Peter F. Sullivan (c1838-1896)

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."