Name/Title
Lisa Brown's Connection with the Bull FamilyEntry/Object ID
000565Tags
Lisa Brown, William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
Overview of the Article
The article centers on Lisa Brown and her deep connection to her ancestral home, the Bull Stone House in Hamptonburgh, Orange County, New York.
Key Details
The Historical Setting: The three-story Bull Stone House is one of the oldest in the county. Remarkably, its cornerstone was laid in 1718—54 years before the Declaration of Independence.
Family Lineage: Lisa is a ninth-generation descendant of Sarah Wells and William Bull, who were the very first white couple to marry in the county.
The Annual Reunion: The house serves as the backdrop for the annual Bull Family picnic. With over 20,000 living relatives of Sarah and William, hundreds gather each year to catch up, share news, and honor their shared heritage.
A Bridge Between Eras: Lisa, a 17-year-old student at Washingtonville High School, bridges the past and present through her art. For a class project, she photographed the historic stone house and developed it using startling, modern "day-glo" colors to contrast with the centuries-old architecture.
A Lasting Inspiration: Lisa expresses a profound respect for her ancestor Sarah Wells, who pioneered into the wilderness at just 18 years old. Influenced by her work with children during these family events, Lisa shares her goal of becoming an elementary school teacher to help children get a good start in life.