Colonel John H. Sullivan

Colonel John H. Sullivan, regarded as the father of Bellaire, Ohio, platted the Harris Farm in November 1854 for a community that was incorporated in 1860 as Bellaire City and in 1872 as the City of Bellaire. With what was called an invincible spirit, he devoted his life to promoting Bellaire’s prosperity and growth. He served as president and promoter of the Central Ohio R.R. and the Bellaire & Southwestern R.R., as western agent of the Baltimore & Ohio R.R. during the Civil War, and as proprietor of the Star Glass Works, Sullivan Coal Works, and Sullivan & Co. in real estate. He also led the community in seeking approval for construction of the Great Stone Viaduct through the heart of Bellaire’s business district, a structure that remains a National Historic Landmark revered by the community.

Bellaire, Ohio · United States