Wiliam I. Sullivan is engaged in general farming in Summerset township and is making a specialty of the raising of hogs, which branch of his business is proving satisfactorily profitable. He was born in Washington township, Adair county, Iowa, April 13, 1860, a son of T. H. and Christina Sullivan, mention of whom is made in connection with the sketch of his brother, Jay Sullivan., on another page of this work. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then began farming on his own account by renting land for a number of years. During this period he carefully saved his earnings and thus became enabled to purchase a part of the old homestead, acquiring the ownership of eighty acres, which he hs splendidly improved since that time. He cultivates his farm according to the most modern methods and has an excellent equipment for stock-raising, making a specialty of hogs. The stock which he raises is of high grade and brings gratifying prices when placed upon the market.
On September 9, 1883, Mr. Sullivan was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Odle, a native of Missouri and a daughter of James C. and Christianna (Tartar) Odle, both of whom were natives of Illinois. They went to Missouri at an early day and afterward the mother passed away in Kansas, but the father survives and now makes his home in Colorado. Mrs. Sullivan is one of a family of nine children, of whom six are yet living, and by her marriage she became the mother of three children: Alta C., now the wife of O. E. Heacock of Waurika, Oklahoma; Crissie M., the wife of Warren Goodman of Greenfield, Iowa; and Velma W., the wife of A. E. Brown of this county.
The parents are members of the Christian church at Fontanelle, Iowa, and Mr. Sullivan holds membership in the Odd Fellows lodge at Fontanelle. His political allegiance is given to the democratic party, and although he does not seek nor desire office, he is interested in all that pertains to the public welfare. His has been an active career, crowned with a substantial measure of success. His entire life has been passed in Adair county and among his acquaintances – and there are many – heis held in the highest esteem. | 
