Sullivan, John L.

Sullivan, John L. (Lawrence) (1899–1982) lawyer, public official; born in Manchester, N.H. He was the assistant secretary of the treasury (1939–44) and worked actively on the wartime finances. His tenure as secretary of the navy (1947–49) was cut short when he resigned in protest over the cancellation of the navy's first supercarrier.

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Sullivan, John L. (Lawrence) (1858–1918) boxer; born in Roxbury, Mass. He began his amateur career boxing around New England and became known as the "Boston Strong Boy." The last bare-knuckle world heavyweight champion, he held the title from 1882 to 1892. In 1892 he lost his crown to James J. Corbett by a knockout under the newly adopted Queensbury rules requiring padded gloves. A colorful personality who often boasted in a tavern that he could "beat any man in the house," the "Great John L's" career record was 31 victories (16 knockouts), one loss, three draws, and one no decision. After retiring, he renounced his former lifestyle and became a temperance advocate.