Sullivan was driven by a spirit of innovation and enterprise.
 He was the first to introduce horticulture in the Nilgiris.
 Potato, barley and other "English" agricultural products are some of the crops he introduced.
In 1822, John Sullivan, began construction of his residence, called the 'Stonehouse', on property he had purchased from the Todas.
 His wife, who had the distinction of being the first European woman in the Nilgiris, moved into the house in 1823 along with his infant son and others who made Ooty their abode including Sir Thomas Munro, the governor of Madras, who stayed at Ootacamund.
The Ooty Lake was created between 1823 and 1825 by Sullivan as a source of irrigation.
Years later.
He explained to his superiors: "the climate is particularly salubrious, and I rejoice to say my health has derived infinite benefit from my residence in it.
"[9] This retreat quickly became a magnet for invalided officers and other Europeans in upper India seeking rest cures.

Considering the age in which he lived, his attitudes towards the local population were remarkably progressive, arguing that the native people should be allowed to govern their own affairs.
 He also held that the Toda tribe had total proprietary rights over the Nilgiris, which set him at odds with East India Company officials.

By 1828 there were some 25 houses, not to mention churches and the housing of immigrants from the plains.
This was also the year when Ooty was made a military cantonment.
Sullivan's dream of making it a sanatorium for British troops had been fulfilled, but the Government's action meant that Ooty would no longer be in his control but in that of his rival Major William Kelso.
But Sullivan wasn't through with Ooty.
After he finished his tenure as Collector of Coimbatore, he returned in his capacity as the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue of the Madras Presidency.
Sullivan was driven by a spirit of innovation and enterprise.  He was the first to introduce horticulture in the Nilgiris.  Potato, barley and other "English" agricultural products are some of the crops he introduced. In 1822, John Sullivan, began construction of his residence, called the 'Stonehouse', on property he had purchased from the Todas.  His wife, who had the distinction of being the first European woman in the Nilgiris, moved into the house in 1823 along with his infant son and others who made Ooty their abode including Sir Thomas Munro, the governor of Madras, who stayed at Ootacamund. The Ooty Lake was created between 1823 and 1825 by Sullivan as a source of irrigation. Years later. He explained to his superiors: "the climate is particularly salubrious, and I rejoice to say my health has derived infinite benefit from my residence in it."[9] This retreat quickly became a magnet for invalided officers and other Europeans in upper India seeking rest cures. 
Considering the age in which he lived, his attitudes towards the local population were remarkably progressive, arguing that the native people should be allowed to govern their own affairs.  He also held that the Toda tribe had total proprietary rights over the Nilgiris, which set him at odds with East India Company officials.
By 1828 there were some 25 houses, not to mention churches and the housing of immigrants from the plains. This was also the year when Ooty was made a military cantonment. Sullivan's dream of making it a sanatorium for British troops had been fulfilled, but the Government's action meant that Ooty would no longer be in his control but in that of his rival Major William Kelso. But Sullivan wasn't through with Ooty. After he finished his tenure as Collector of Coimbatore, he returned in his capacity as the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue of the Madras Presidency.
John Sullivan (colonial administrator)