Sullivan, John Lawrence, 1858-1918
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John Lawrence Sullivan was born on October 15, 1858 in Roxbury, Massachusetts to Irish immigrant parents. Nicknamed the “Boston Strong Boy”, Sullivan began to box professionally in 1878. He was a heavyweight champion whose boxing style was reliant on brute strength, fighting under the London Prize Ring Rules (bare-knuckle boxing). In 1882, Sullivan won one of his most famous fights, beating Irish-born Paddy Ryan for the bareknuckle championship of the world in Mississippi.
By the 1890s, Sullivan was an aging champion with a significant drinking problem. He turned to the stage with a vaudeville act. Sullivan ultimately retired to Abington, Massachusetts. He gave up alcohol and became a temperance advocate, speaking out in favor of Prohibition. Sullivan died on February 2, 1918 in Abington, Massachusetts.
Archival Resources
Role | Title | Holding Repository | |
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referencedIn | Charles E.L. Wingate papers, 1821-1919 (bulk 1892-1898) | Houghton Library | |
referencedIn | Chase, Charles E. (Charles Edward) Diaries | Central Michigan University. Libraries | |
referencedIn | Clarence W. Rowley papers relating to Buffalo Bill and John L. Sullivan, 1878-1941, 1910-1920 | Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library | |
referencedIn | Edwin A. Merrill letters | Minnesota Historical Society | |
referencedIn | H.D.D. Twiggs diaries | University of Georgia. Libraries | |
referencedIn | John L. Sullivan and James J. Corbett grand glove contest ticket | Louisiana State University, LSU Libraries | |
creatorOf | John Lawrence Sullivan letters, 1890 | L. Tom Perry Special Collections | |
creatorOf | John Lawrence Sullivan papers | Boston College. John J. Burns Library | |
creatorOf | Letter : to John Wilson | Bryn Mawr College | |
referencedIn | Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition records | Oregon Historical Society Research Library |
Showing 1 to 10 of 14 entries
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Relation | Name |
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associatedWith | Caplazi, Paul, 1867-1956. |
associatedWith | Chase, Charles E. (Charles Edward) |
associatedWith | Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition (1905 : Portland, Or.) |
associatedWith | Matthews, Norman, |
associatedWith | Merrill, Edwin A., 1866-1933. |
associatedWith | Rowley, Clarence W. |
associatedWith | Twiggs, Hansford Dade Duncan, 1837-1917. |
associatedWith | Wilson, John. |
associatedWith | Wingate, Charles E. L. (Charles Edgar Lewis), b. 1861 |
Showing 1 to 9 of 9 entries
Person
Birth 1858-10-15
Death 1918-02-02
English
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Sullivan, John Lawrence, 1858-1918
Sullivan, John Lawrence, 1858-1918 | Title |
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