I don't know if this is the same line you are researching ~ I am researching the William Sullivan (Senior) (1760-1838) and Eleanor Smith Sullivan (1763-1836) lines in Rowan & Davidson Counties. I have limited information, & none on William's or Eleanor's parents, but according to a family group record found on the LDS website, William & Eleanor had the following children: Smith, b. ca 1782, Rowan Co.; Sarah, Joel, William, Luvina, Daniel, Mary, Eleanor, and your John S. Sullivan (b. 22 Nov 1804, Rowan; d. 12 Aug 1855, Davidson). My line is Smith Sullivan, who married Sarah (maiden unk) b. 14 Mar 1788. Their children: Elizabeth, Calvin, Nancy, James, Amy, Ellen, and William Wiss Sullivan. Nancy married in Union County, IN David Stanton. Would love to know more about these Sullivan & Smith lines in NC.