James Sullivan 1835-1913
Pick and Gad
Shullsburg, Wisconsin
January 1913
James Sullivan, an old and respected citizen of this county, died at his home in New Diggings Township Sunday morning, January 5, 1913 at an advanced age of paralysis.
Funeral services were held Tuesday forenoon from St. Matthew's church, Shullsburg, conducted by Rev. Father Croke and the remains were laid to rest in the cemetery north of the city. With the death of James Sullivan the last chapter in the history of one of the early pioneer families of Lafayette County has been written. His parents, Patrick and Julia, came to Shullsburg, or Dublin, as it was then called, in the spring of 1828, the settlement at that time consisted of about a dozen houses which were located on the ridge north of the Shullsburg branch. Here the family remained until 1832 when they moved to New Diggings Township, where the deceased was born on the 31st Day of March, 1835. He was one of a family of Eleven brothers and sisters, all of whom have preceded him to the great beyond where they are now once more reunited.
Mr. Sullivan grew to manhood on the old homestead in Seymour and during the greater part of his lifetime followed the occupation of farming until increasing infirmities incapacitated him for active work when he rented his farm, but continued to reside thereon amid the scenes and faces he knew and loved best. As a democrat he was elected chairman of New Diggings, a Republican stronghold, and always took an active interest in public affairs. Kindhearted, generous and honest, he will be greatly missed by the few remaining companions of his time, to whom he was attached by the ties of that genuine old-time friendship which seemed to increase as the years went by.
Deceased was united in marriage to Mary Hurley at New Diggings July 29, 1862 and their wedded life was a very happy one until the tie was broken by the death of Mrs. Sullivan which occurred July 14, 1884. He is survived by eight children as follows: Emma, Mrs. Alice Curren, Mrs. Julia McKenna, Charles, John, James, Daniel and Joseph (Gus).
A daughter, Mrs. Clara Wedige died in 1898, and other children died in infancy.
Another old settler is gone, a long and useful life is closed, the earthly pilgrimage is ended. Down into "the valley of the shadow of death" he has gone to meet the loved ones waiting beyond in the bright dawn of eternity's never ending day.
-----------------
~Submitter: Rose