Peter John Sullivan
Peter John Sullivan was an Irish-American soldier and lawyer, who became United States Ambassador to Colombia.Life
Peter John Sullivan was born March 15, 1821 in Cork, Ireland. Sullivan's parents brought him to Philadelphia when he was two years old, and he received his education at the University of Pennsylvania. He served in the Mexican-American War, and received the brevet of major for meritorious services.
After retiring to civil life he became one of the official stenographers of the U.S. Senate, and in 1848 went to live in Cincinnati, Ohio where he was admitted to the bar. He was prominent there as an opponent of the Know-nothing movement.
During the American Civil War, Peter John Sullivan took a very active part in organizing several Ohio volunteer regiments and went to the scene of action as colonel of the 48th Ohio Infantry. He was severely wounded at the Battle of Shiloh. His injuries would force him to resign on August 7, 1863. On December 11, 1866, President Andrew Johnson nominated Sullivan for appointment to the brevet grade of brigadier general of volunteers to rank from March 13, 1865 and the U.S. Senate confirmed the appointment on February 6, 1867.
In 1867, Sullivan was appointed U.S. Minister to Colombia and held that office until 1869. He then returned to the practice of the law.
Peter John Sullivan died at Cincinnati on March 2, 1883 and was buried in Spring Grove Cemetery.
