Name/Title
Daniel BullEntry/Object ID
001922Tags
Daniel BullScope and Content
DANIEL BULL - This biographical sketch and portrait of Daniel Bull are from the History of Orange County, New York, specifically the edition compiled by Edward M. Ruttenber and Lewis H. Clark, published in 1881.
The progenitor of the Bull family in Crawford was
William Bull, who located at Hamptonburgh. His son
Thomas purchased an extensive tract of land embracing
seven hundred and fifty acres in the township of Craw-
ford, which was in an entirely unimproved state when
acquired by him. His son Daniel, whose birth occurred
in 1761, and who is the subject of this biographical
sketch, became by inheritance the possessor of this land,
having pledged himself to cultivate and improve it. He
spent the early years of his life at the home of his
parents, improving the limited advantages of the district
school during the intervals not devoted to farm labor.
In 1780, when but nineteen years of age, he was
united in marriage to Miss Catherine Miller, who was
still his junior, the ceremony having been performed at
Goshen by Rev. Mr. Carr, of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Bull were born thirteen
children,-Thomas, who married Sarah Mills; Hannah
(Mrs. Alexander Thompson); Abner, married to Maria
Brinson; David C., married to Maria Barkley; Keturah
(Mrs. William Bull); Catherine (Mrs. James H. Craw-
ford); Mary (Mrs. Rev. John Johnson); Henry, mar-
ried to Jane Stitt; Milton, married to Esther Crawford;
Sarah (Mrs. Denton Mills); Miller; Daniel, married
to Sarah Thompson; and John, who died in early life.
Mr. Bull died Nov. 14, 1849, his wife's death hav-
ing occurred Oct. 1, 1841, in her seventy-seventh year.
During a long and well-improved life Daniel Bull main-
tained a marked character for integrity and probity,
and by deeds which speak louder than words placed
before his children a conspicuous example of the
achievements won by energy and steadfast purpose.
The land which he inherited-a vast tract of forest and
brush-was, under the magic influence of his industry,
made to bud and blossom as the rose.
He was also active and influential in all public enter-
prises. He was one of the originators of the Newburgh
and Cochecton turnpike, and for nearly half a century
a director of the organization. The political views of
Mr. Bull were in sympathy with the platform of the old
Whig party, and these principles found in him an elo-
quent expounder during his life. In 1779 he contributed
generously towards the erection of the earliest Presby-
terian church of the township, and was one of its most
exemplary members. He was a man of generous im-
pulses, and all deserving causes found in him a cordial
helper.
His memory is still affectionately cherished by an ex-
tensive family of descendants, a number of whom con-
tribute this portrait as a tribute of their regard.