Pauline Murphy shares the story of West Cork man Patrick Joseph Sullivan who, from modest beginnings on the Sheep’s Head peninsula, went on to emigrate to the United States where he became a successful sheep rancher and later a US senator. It’s also claimed that he was friends with wild west outlaws Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!
Patrick Joseph Sullivan was born on St Patrick’s Day 1865 to John Sullivan and Margaret (née McCarthy) Sullivan on a small farm in Kilcrohane on the Sheep’s Head peninsula.
At the age of 23, Patrick left West Cork for America. His journey began with a difficult Atlantic crossing. After arriving in New York City, he travelled onwards to Wyoming, where he found work as a sheep herder in Rawlins.
Within four years, Patrick had established his own sheep ranch. He later moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he expanded his business interests and became involved in oil. Over time, he became a wealthy and respected member of the community.
Patrick also entered public life. In 1894, he was elected as a Republican to Wyoming’s House of Representatives, serving until 1896. He later served as Mayor of Casper from 1898 to 1900 and returned again to the state House of Representatives. He was known as an approachable and good-humoured man, retaining the charm and wit of his West Cork upbringing. His circle of friends included people from many different backgrounds.
Among those said to have been on friendly terms with Patrick were members of The Wild Bunch, also known as the Hole in the Wall gang. The most well-known of the group, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, reportedly counted the Kilcrohane man as a friend and enjoyed his hospitality.
In 1893, Patrick married Hanora Mahoney, known as Nan, who was also from West Cork. The couple had five daughters: Margaret, Patricia, Eileen, Catherine and Evangeline. In 1909, Patrick built a large red-brick home for his family on the corner of 10th and Centre Street in Casper. The house still stands today and is now a registered historic home in Wyoming.
Despite his success, Patrick also experienced personal loss. In 1914, his youngest daughter, Evangeline, died at the family home in Casper at the age of 12, having been ill for some time with heart trouble. The National County Tribune of June 18, 1914 reported on her funeral, noting the many floral tributes and the large number of friends who attended to offer their sympathy to the family.
Patrick remained active in political life. He was Wyoming’s delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1912 and again served as state delegate in 1916. From 1924, he was appointed as a member of the Republican National Committee representing Wyoming.
In December 1929, he was appointed to the United States Senate to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator Francis Warren. He served until November 1930, when Robert Carey succeeded him. Time Magazine of December 16, 1929 described him as a wealthy sheep rancher who had prospered through oil and noted his Cork origins and straightforward manner.
After leaving the Senate, Patrick returned to his business interests. In April 1935, while on a Spring visit to Santa Barbara, California, he suffered a heart attack and died on April 8 at the age of 70. The body of the popular West Cork man was returned to Wyoming, where he was laid to rest in Highland Cemetery in Casper following a large funeral.
