James "Yankee" Sullivan, Mission Dolores Cemetery
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Professional Boxer. Born as Francis Murray, James "Yankee" Sullivan would quickly earn a name for himself in the prize fighting and boxing world. In 1841, Sullivan left Europe to begin fighting in the United States. In 1851, Sullivan claimed the Heavyweight Championship of America from his rival, Tom Hyer, who was retiring and in 1853, would defend the title against John Morrissey, who later became a Congressman from New York. Sullivan ultimately lost the match after deciding to leave the ring and was counted out. On May 20, 1856, Sullivan was arrested by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee for ballot-box frauds and fearing the consequences, he committed suicide in his prison cell eleven days later.
From the Darlene Thorne Collection |
