The Irish standard., 1916-10-28
acquaintances

James O'Sullivan, at one time one
Of the best known Nationalists of New
York, but for some years prevented by
i'll health from taking an active part
in the movement, died at his home, q
Street, on October II. He
was born at Kilfinnan, County Lin
erick, on December 20, 1841, and re-
ceived a good education. His fam
lily and relatives were all strong Ma
tionalists and took part in every
movement for the good of the old
land.
Mr.. O'Sullivan came to America
from Ireland in 1865, just as the Civil
War was closing and when the Fenian
movement was at it's height. He re-
sided in New York for the whole fifty
one years. He Joined the Fenian
Brotherhood soon after landing and
remained an active member until the
great Split destroyed its usefulness
and made the starting of a new organi-
cation necessary. The Clan-na-Gael
was organized on June 20, 1867-Wolfe
Tones birthday-by Jerome ]. Collins
(who later died in Siberia on the un-
fortunate Jeanette expedition) with
James Sheedy and few others who
saw the necessity of breaking new
ground, and James O'Sullivan was
among its earliest members. For more
than forty years he was very active
member and for time was among its
leading men in New York, always
loved and trusted by his associates.
He was man of genial temper and
fine manners, tolerant of difference of
opinion while steadfast in his own con.
victions. Most men of positive opin.
ions make enemies, but James O'Sulli.
van never had any. His good nature
and geniality did not give man who
differed with him chance to fall out
with him-which is singularly rare
thing among Irishmen. He was among
the last of the early leaders of the
Clan in New York. Nearly all of them
have passed away, and the few who
survive are too old for active serv-
ice, though, like him, they all re
NAMED true to the old cause.
He helped to raise the money which
sent the Catalpa on her way to rescue
the Irish military prisoners in West
ern Australia in 1876. He was mem.
Der of the committee which received
Michael Davitt when he first visited
America in 1873, after his release from
British prisons, and performed the
same service for Parnell and John
Dillon in 1880. He attended the meet.
ing at the old New York Hotel on
Broadway, where the temporary or.
ganization of the American Land
League was effected on the day that
Parnell and Timothy Healy, then his
Secretary, sailed for Ireland to take
part in the general election. From
then until the majority of the Parlia-
mentary Party threw Parnell over
board at the bidding of the English.
man whom he had beaten to his knees,
O'Sullivan took an active part in rails,
ing money and organizing receptions
for ENJOYS from Ireland who would
now deny to the men who helped them
when help was most needed, the right
to express all opinion on the situation
in Ireland. After the Split he con
fined his activities to the Clan-na-Gael
and his services were of the most eff
fective kind. although very quietly rem
dered.
James O'Sullivan was in the employ
OF the Pennsylvania Railroad for forty
seven years. He was for most of that
time Superintendent of the company s
New York piers. When he retired from
the service of the railroad, he went
into partnership in the undertaking
business with James Dugan, former
partner of his younger brother, Thorn
as, who was the first Treasurer Of
the Gaelic American Publishing Com
pany and who died a few years ago
The firm does business at 247 Hud
son street, and conducted the great
funeral of John J. Breslin in 1887.
ARCHBISHOP KENNEDY.