John and Catherine (Gillies) Sullivan lived in Newport, RI at 12 Fountain Street, and later at 64 Pope Street. John worked at the Naval Torpedo Station, and his brother, Cornelius "Neil," was a Private in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I.

These papers include personal correspondence, financial documents and deeds, most belonging to John F. Sullivan, with some items pertaining to his wife, Catherine (Gillies) Sullivan. Correspendences are from Sullivan and Gillies relatives, including letters from Gillies family in Scotland and from John's brother, Cornelius "Neil," while he was a Private in the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Financial documents include income tax records, life insurance receipts, stock certificates, and account book, and bills from Newport Hospital. The papers also include deeds for properties in Jamestown passed from Gillies family members to Catherine Sullivan.