Name/Title
132nd Bull Family Annual PicnicEntry/Object ID
000637Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
Historical Background
Founders: Sarah Wells and William Bull were married on August 25, 1718. Sarah was the first white woman settler in the Goshen area, arriving as part of the Wawayanda Patent.
The Homestead: William Bull, who learned stone masonry in Ireland, built a stone house for Sarah located on County Route 51 (now known as the Sarah Wells Trail in Hamptonburgh). The house features 9 rooms and 4 floors (including the attic) and stands on 100 beautiful acres.
Legacy: Sarah lived to be 102 years old. By the time of her death, she had 335 descendants. Since 1868, their descendants have gathered annually at this historic homestead for a reunion. As of 1999, there were approximately 20,000 descendants.
Reunion Highlights & Featured Individuals
The Youngest Attendee: Conroy Robertson Hoy (four months old) was recognized as the youngest boy at the reunion, wearing a blue ribbon for the 9th generation. He is pictured with his parents, Kim Robertson-Hoy and Jim Hoy, alongside Jack, Lisa, and Mark Ryan (the first to arrive).
Longest Marriage: Raymond Bruyn (90) and his wife Doris Dickerson-Bruyn (90) were honored for being married the longest—69 years. The couple shares 3 children, 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Family Historians: Roger King of Monroe is highlighted as the family genealogist responsible for recording new births, deaths, weddings, and other vital information up to the 7th generation. He is assisted by Dick Ivory (who computerizes the records) and Linda Standish.