Name/Title
The Story of William Bull and Sarah WellsEntry/Object ID
000660Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
The Story of Sarah Wells and William Bull
Sarah Wells' Journey (1712): At just 18 years old, orphaned indentured servant Sarah Wells was sent by her employer, Christopher Denn, to settle a 150,000-acre land patent (the Wawayanda Patent) in what is now Orange County, New York. She traveled by sloop along the Hudson River and made her way inland along the Moodna Creek with Native American guides to build a wigwam and establish Denn's claim.
William Bull's Arrival (1715): An Irish-born stonemason, William Bull, arrived in New York and was hired by Christopher Denn to help build his home, Greycourt, in nearby Goshen.
A New Dynasty: Sarah and William met, married in 1718, and began building the 1722 Bull Stone House in Hamptonburgh (named after William's birthplace in England). By Sarah's death in 1796, they had 12 children, 98 grandchildren, and 212 great-grandchildren. Today, their descendants number more than 65,000.
Legendary Tales of Sarah Wells
The article highlights two prominent stories demonstrating Sarah’s courage and fortitude:
The Grist Mill Run: Sarah would routinely ride 15 miles through the wilderness at night to the nearest grist mill on the Fishkill side of the Hudson River. She would cross the river in a rowboat at dawn, grind the grain, row back, and ride home by nightfall.
The Wolves: On one return trip, night fell and she heard wolves howling. For her safety, she tied her horse to a tree, climbed up into the branches, and spent the night in the tree to escape the pack.
"Celebrate 300 Years of Orange County Bulls" Event
The article acts as an invitation to "Family Fun Day" on Saturday, May 19 (2012) at the Bull Stone House in Campbell Hall to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Sarah Wells' arrival in the Hudson Valley:
Activities: The celebration includes tours of the historic 1722 Bull Stone House and the New World Dutch Barn, craft activities, animal viewing, music, horse and cart rides, and bounce houses.
Pie-Baking Contest: A "pie-baking contest of historic proportions" will be held, judged by Bull family members with pie-attitude.
Admission: $5 per person, with a maximum of $20 per family.