Read more at MALTA FAMILY HISTORY , then scroll down to Sullivan. Such a sad story - were the two children both hers? Did they all die from Undulant Fever (Brucellosis / Malta Fever)? Carried in goats' milk this killed 100 or so each year in Malta, mostly British. The garrison was banned from drinking goats' milk (boiled or not) after Themistocles Zammit discovered the source of infection - but this wasn't until 1905.

Yes, that's terribly sad, isn't it - poor Mr Sullivan to lose his family so young.

Further research by the MFH webmaster (site now archived and no longer updated) indicated that Georgenia died of typhoid (a possible misdiagnosis of Brucellosis) and son John of infantile convulsions. Meningitis can follow Brucellosis. How hazardous (and short) life could be then, even for the better-off. So tragic for Mr Sullivan after setting off from England to an exciting appointment - did he carry on as Headmaster after that? He was also in his twenties (appointed in 1858).

From the Times of Malta 19 October 1858. - An excellent schoolmaster, Mr Sullivan, has been appointed who is already arrived from England and the school, we hear, is to be opened on the first of November next. (From School History ).