Name/Title
Bull and Wells Family ReunionEntry/Object ID
001927Tags
Bull Stone HouseScope and Content
The Bull Stone House History
Construction: William Bull and Sarah Wells moved from their log cabin into this stone house in the fall of 1727. It took five years of labor to complete the structure.
Resilience: The house notably survived a severe earthquake on its third night of occupancy. Despite a crack forming in the back gable, the house remained standing and has survived two centuries of storms and lightning.
Modernization: By the 1920s, the home had transitioned from candles and kerosene lamps to electricity and modern plumbing. The article notes that while the exterior remained "ageless," the interior featured a modern kitchen and bathrooms.
Family Continuity: At the time of the article, the house was occupied by Mrs. Lewis Brown (Corrina Ackerly Bull), a seventh-generation descendant. Her grandson, William Bull Brown (eighth generation), is mentioned as a resident infant.
Preservation: To ensure the home stayed in the family, ownership was transferred to the Bull Family Association, which hosts an annual picnic on the grounds every August.
The Bull and Wells Family Reunion
The secondary clipping reports on the nineteenth annual meeting of the family association held at Hamptonburgh.
Leadership: Mrs. Amy Bull Crist was re-elected as President.
Governance: The report lists various family members elected as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, as well as several Managers from surrounding towns like Chester, Blooming Grove, and Campbell Hall.
Notable Mentions: The association sent well-wishes to Treasurer Ernest M. Bull, who was recovering from a stroke in Nantucket.
Historical Note: The Bull Stone House still stands today as a museum and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serving as a rare example of early 18th-century masonry.