Name/Title
Aug 1919 Bull PicnicEntry/Object ID
000443Tags
Bull PicnicScope and Content
REPORT OF THE ANNUAL BULL FAMILY REUNION FOR 1919.
The Bull family picnic was held last Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Margaret Crawford Jackson, near Campbell Hall. As the morning was unpropitious, all gathered within the sheltering walls of the old stone homestead erected by William Bull 150 years ago for Thomas Bull, whose descendants, Mrs. Jackson and her son, now occupy it. It seemed indeed a family party as the bounteous dinner was served to members who had gathered from far and near, and made of the picnic a house party numbering hundreds. Judge Duryea asked the divine blessing on the assembled company. Many members of the family from this section were among the 300 present to enjoy the meeting in this spacious old homestead with its glowing fireplaces and priceless heirlooms. When the business meeting was called to order the sun shone and the assembly occupied seats on the porch and lawn, enjoying erstwhile the glorious view spread before them with it freshness and beauty, for seldom has the picnic been held during an August so blessed with rains and abundance of pasture and vegetation. This beautiful old home was built on land granted by George I, of England, to William Bull in 1724, the large trees on the estate being retained for building the King's ships. Wm. Bull gave the land to his son Thomas. The homestead was erected in 1769, and occupied by Thomas until his death in 1801. He was said to have been a staunch Tory, and taken from the home, as a broken door attests, very unceremoniously, to be confined in the Goshen jail. However this may be we know his brother William was a captain in the Revolutionary War, because his commission is carefully preserved by Mrs. Elizabeth Bull Greene, and was loaned for all the descendants to see, proving that one at least of the family did not keep the Quaker traditions of keeping out of war, and also that descendants of William are sons and daughters of the American Revolution.
At two o'clock the business meeting was called to order by the President, Miss Margaret Cook. Prof. W. W. Whiddit led in singing. The Secretary's and Treasurer's reports were read, and the list of those who died during the year. Officers for the coming year were elected as follows: President, Robert McLeod Jackson; Vice President, Miss Helen Slaughter; Secretary, Miss Margaret Cook; Treasurer, Miss Mary Wheeler. A conference was held in regard to a suitable memorial for the descendants who served in the world's war. There were many speakers and many suggestions. The matter was not decided and a committee was elected to assist in the undertaking. One member named was E. M. Bull, of Blooming Grove, who recently settled in Orange county and attended the picnic for the first time. Mr. Howard Young, of Blooming Grove, spoke of having a history of the family published, and this met with general favor. Even if some other form of memorial is selected, let us have the history also. Mr. Whiddit and Mr. Thompson, of Thompson Ridge, sang solos during intermissions in the business meeting, and the whole day was one of happiness, except all especially missed the venerable Judge William Bull of Stony Ford, whose name was on the long list of those departed, as were the names of Mrs. E. J. McLaughlin, Jr., and Austin C. Bull, of this village. After singing, "God be with us 'till we meet again," farewells were said until the last Wednesday of August, 1920.
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[Handwritten annotation across second clipping:] Independent Fri. 8/29/19
THE BULL FAMILY PICNIC
Annual Gathering at "Hill-Hold" Wednesday, August 27.
The Bull family picnic was held on Wednesday at "Hill-Hold," the home of Mrs. Margaret Crawford Jackson, near Campbell Hall. As the morning was unpropitious the lawn was abandoned and the guests gathered within the sheltering walls of the old stone homestead, and the picnic became a great house party, for the clan had assembled from near and far despite the storm. Judge Duryea asked the Divine blessing before the feast began, and it was a royal feast indeed, followed by a social hour when the fire in the great fire place and the many attractions of the old homestead were enjoyed. Then the sun shone and all gathered on the lawn and porch to enjoy the extensive view of the hills and valleys spread out as never before. Through the efficient president, Miss Margaret Cook, called the meeting to order and Prof. Wm. Wall Whiddit led in singing, "America." The secretary and treasurer's reports were given and the list of those who died was read. It was a long list, containing many well known names, especially the venerable Judge Wm. Bull, of Stony Ford, and some who had given their lives in the world's war. Officers were elected for the coming year as follows: President, Robert McLeod Jackson; vice-president, Miss Helen Slaughter; secretary, Miss Margaret Cook; treasurer, Miss Mary Wheeler; executive committee, W. H. Bull, John Thew, Will Bull, Pierson Booth, Miss Helen M. Bull. The host, Mr. Jackson, gave a very interesting history of the house, built 150 years ago by William Bull, for Thomas Bull. On a stone by the front door is carved the date 1769, and the letters "T. B." The masonry of the house is similar to the original stone house at Hamptonburgh and appears as enduring. Surely William Bull built for himself lasting memorials. The homestead now occupied by the descendants of Thomas Bull— Mr. Jackson and his mother, the gifted writer—is filled with priceless heirlooms and rare old china. It was surely a wonderful privilege to hold the family reunion on such historic grounds, and in such a home, and a vote of thanks was given the hostess, Mrs. Margaret Crawford Jackson and her son. Her daughter was unable to be present.
There was a family conference held to decide upon a suitable memorial for the young men and women of the service and especially for those who had given their lives. Ninety names were on the honor roll, and it was found those were not all. More names were coming and the honor roll was not completed. In view of this fact and for other reasons, no conclusion was reached, although many spoke on the subject— Robert McLeod Jackson for a town hall; Miss Lillian Bull for a scholarship; Ebenezer Bull for a monument; Charles Bull for the stone house; Howard Young for a history, and many other suggestions by many others. Many letters were read, and a number of letters of absent members. Mr. Young's idea of a published history of the family containing the honor roll as a memorial met with approval. Such a history should be published. Even if some other memorial is selected, the story of William Bull, Sarah Wells and their children should be printed as soon as data is collected. As none of the memorials suggested were considered final, a committee was named to aid in the selection of a fitting memorial. Charles M. Bull, Poughkeepsie; Miss Lillian Bull, Chester; E. M. Bull, Washingtonville; Ebenezer Bull, Hamptonburgh; Robert McLeod Jackson, Campbell Hall. A representative from Mead & Taft, Cornwall, was present and gave plans for a town hall suitable as a memorial building. During intermissions of the meeting Prof. Whiddit led the assembly in singing and also sang a solo. Mr. Thompson, of Thompson Ridge, also sang, and the session closed with "God be with us till we meet again." It was an inspiring picnic, with kinship and loyalty and brotherhood; a reunion of a great family, such as the world never saw before that the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells have lived up to the family traditions of bravery and courage. They enlisted and served faithfully, and were not afraid.