Name/Title
Commemorative Program 125th Annual Picnic Sarah Wells and William Bull Faily Sat. Aug. 15, 1992Entry/Object ID
002297Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This commemorative program from August 15, 1992, celebrates the 125th Annual Picnic of the William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association. It details the history of two prominent early settlers of Orange County, New York, and the genealogical legacy they left behind.
The Story of Sarah Wells and William Bull
Sarah Wells: An orphan who, at age 18 in 1712, was sent by Christopher Denn to be the first civilized settler on the Wawayanda Patent. She led a small party into the wilderness and established the first camp near what is now Otterkill.
William Bull: A young stone mason born in England (1689) who emigrated via Dublin. He was hired by Daniel Cromline to help build a settlement at Greycourt.
Marriage: The two met through their neighboring settlements and married on August 25, 1718. Because no church was available for the traditional three-week "banns," they performed a unique ceremony where the banns were proclaimed to the forest, the cattle, and the wilderness.
Legacy and Homestead
The Stone House: Built by William Bull between 1722 and 1727 in Hamptonburgh, NY. The program notes it was still standing in 1912 despite lightning strikes and earthquakes.
The Dutch Barn: A rare structure (circa 1718) featuring an intermixing of Dutch and English architectural styles.
Family Tree: Sarah and William had 12 children (John, William, Sarah, Thomas, Isaac, Esther, Mary, Margaret, Catherine, Ann, Richard, and Elinor). By the time of Sarah's death in 1796, she had 98 grandchildren and 212 great-grandchildren.
Event Program Highlights
The 1992 reunion included several commemorative activities:
Biographical Sketches: Costumed portrayals of family ancestors.
Tributes: A poem titled "Tribute to Sarah Wells" (meant to be sung to the tune of "America").
On-going Activities: Pony rides, a Dutch Barn exhibit, a canon salute by Lamb’s Artillery Co., and tours of the historic Stone House.
Governance: The 1991-1992 Board of Directors was led by President Mary Jane Bull Sorrell.
The document serves as a genealogical record and a tribute to the "daring" spirit of the family matriarch and the craftsmanship of the patriarch.
