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Charles C. Sullivan
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HON. CHARLES C. SULLIVAN, in former years one of the most prominent figures in the public life of Butler County, and a lawyer of high reputation, was born
on his parents' farm, in Franklin Township, Butler County, Pennsylvania, March 10, 1807. From some records carefully collated by the genealogist of the family, the late Lieut. Aaron Sullivan, who was killed in the Civil War, while fighting in defense of the Union, it appears that one Peter 0. Sullivan located in Northumberland County, Virginia, about the year 1700. He married a lady named Craven and they had children, John, Moses, Charles and Elizabeth. Early in 1757 Charles Sullivan married Jemima Reeve and they were the grandparents of the late Hon. Charles C. Sullivan. Charles Sullivan died March 27, 1767, the father of five children, all of whom were born on the Wecondia River, near Chesapeake Bay, in Northumberland County, Virginia. Charles C. Sullivan, second son of Charles and Jemima Sullivan, was born March 27, 1760, and died January 12, 1813. In 1785, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, he married Susannah Johnston, who was born October 29, 1764, and died July 7, 1834. Her parents were Thomas and Margaret Johnston, of Chester County. She made the acquaintance of her future husband while he was serving under General Washington at Valley Forge. Their children were Moses, Aaron, Thomas, John, James, Margaret, Jemima, Elizabeth, William, Charles Craven, Susannah, the four last named being born on the "Sullivan Farm," in Franklin Township, Butler County. Charles Craven Sullivan, the seventh son of Charles C. and Susannah Sullivan, was graduated in 1828, from Jefferson College; soon after became a law student in the office of Gen. William Ayers and was admitted to the bar, October 10, 1831. He soon won recognition for his forensic ability, becoming one of the leaders of the Butler County bar, noted then as now, for the high quality and character of its members. He soon became connected also with public affairs, and in 1841, he was elected to the State Senate and was reelected in 1844. During his six years of service in that body he originated and carried through much useful legislation, some of which still remains on the statute books. By this time he had become widely known all over the State and had it not been that the Whig party, to which he belonged, was in the minority during the period of his legislative career, he would have occupied a still more exalted position. As a mark of appreciation of his character and services, Sullivan County, in his native State, was given his name. While professing and believing in Whig principes, Senator Sullivan was an independent thinker, endorsing no measures or policies that were not in accord with his personal convictions. He was strongly opposed to slavery and was much pleased with the nomination of General Scott by the Whigs, over Millard Fillmore in 1852, and correspondingly disappointed by the subsequent election of Franklin Pierce. Possessing such principles, Mr. Sullivan welcomed the formation of the Republican party and identified himself with it. By this time Abolition sentiment was becoming general throughout the North, and Mr. Sullivan was not alone in his opinions, as had been the case, in his county, but a few years previously. With the approach of the great National crisis, Mr. Sullivan's interest in public affairs deepened. He foresaw the coming struggle, and his great hope was that the new party would rise to its opportunity and stand up boldly for the right. He was active in the discussion of public affairs, in particular during the winter of 1859-60, endeavoring to influence the young men of his acquaintance to take a firm stand for principle, whatever might be the outcome. He looked forward with eager anticipation to the Republican National Convention, expecting to see the birth of a new radical policy, with the abolition of slavery as its ultimate goal, but he was not destined to realize his hopes nor to witness the last tragic act in the great slavery drama. His health began to fail, and on February 27, 1860, he passed from life's scenes, leaving behind a record of worthy achievement and devotion to principle that may well stand as an example to many of our own day, who are entrusted with weighty responsibilities. In a material way, Mr. Sullivan prospered and was able to leave a handsome estate to his family. His law practice extended over Butler and into several adjacent counties. His fellow citizens had confidence in him in every relation of life for they knew his acts were the results of his firm convictions. On many occasions he displayed his local pride for he always honored Butler County as it had honored him. Mr. Sullivan was married July 24, 1845, to Susan Catherine Seltzer, of Jonestown, Lebanon County, Penna., who was born June 26, 1824, and who still survives. Of this union there were five children — Moses, Charles, Louise M., Josephine, and Matilda. Moses, who is unmarried, is a well known lawyer of Butler and Bradford, Penna. Charles, who is now deceased, was a practicing attorney at Pittsburg. He married Mary Reed and left his wife with eight children, of whom there are now three survivors — Catherine G., Reed, and Joseph, all living in Pittsburg. Louise M. Sullivan was married, June 26, 1871, to Joshua H. Shaw, who died March 17, 1874. She resides at No. 123 Diamond Street, Butler, and has one son, George J., who married Iola Campbell of Butler and the latter are the parents of a daughter — Isabelle. Josephine Sullivan, now deceased, was the wife of Thomas H. Rabe, of Pittsburg. She left four daughters, namely: Janie (Mrs. Burt A. Miller), who has two children — Thomas Rabe and Jane Catherine; Catherine Louise, Josephine, and Eleanore Hanna. Matilda Sullivan, who married Joseph E. Dunton, of Philadelphia, Penna., is deceased. She had no children. Source: 20th century history of Butler and Butler County, Pa., and respresentative citizens, McKee, James A., 1909, page 609-611. |
