Joseph R. Sullivan has engaged in the practice of law in Laramie since 1910 but has been an active representative of the bar in Wyoming since 1908, following his admission to the bar subsequent to his graduation from law school. He was born in O'Neill, Nebraska, June 20, 1880, a son of James and Tohanna (Dunn) Sullivan, both of whom were natives of Ireland and came to America in childhood, settling first in Michigan, where they were reared and married. They afterward removed to Nebraska, becoming pioneer settlers of O'Neill, Holt county. They made the trip overland to that state and the father became a very active factor in the upbuilding and development of the section in which he settled, being regarded as one of its most respected and valued citizens. He died in Holt county in 1904, but is still survived by his widow, who yet makes her home in O'Neill.
    Joseph R. Sullivan, who was the seventh in order of birth in a family of ten children, attended the schools of O'Neill and was graduated from the high school. Desiring to enter upon a professional career, he then became a student in the Creighton University at Omaha, Nebraska, in which he pursued his more specifically literary course, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1904. He then entered upon the study of law and was graduated from the law department in 1908. He located for practice in Casper, Wyoming, where he remained during 1908 and then removed to Cheyenne, continuing as a member of the bar of that city for eighteen months. In 1910 he arrived in Laramie, where he opened an office, and in the intervening period he has steadily advanced until he now occupies a position of leadership among the attorneys of Wyoming. In connection with his law practice he is a director of the Laramie-Albany Mutual Building Association.
    On the 29^th of November, 1909, in Omaha, Nebraska, Air. Sullivan was united in marriage to Miss Amy Burn, a daughter of Bernard and Anna Burn, who were early residents of that city. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have become the parents of three children: Joseph, who was born in Laramie in 1911; John, in 1913: and Bernard, in 1915. The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church.
    In politics Mr. Sullivan is a democrat and served as a member of the house of representatives during the twelfth general assembly. He has been prosecuting attorney since 1916 and is recognized as one of the active democratic leaders of Albany county and of the state. He has done splendid work in the legislature, in which he is now serving for the second term, giving thoughtful and earnest consideration to all the vital questions which have come up for settlement. He belongs to the Chamber of Commerce, of which he is one of the directors, and there is no plan or movement for the benefit of the city which does not receive his endorsement and cooperation.