Name/Title
In the Matter of The Title to the Premises Conveyed by Ebenezer Bull To The Wm Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association Sept. 30, 1921Entry/Object ID
002273Tags
Ebenezer Bull, Daniel Bull, Hannah Bull, Peter BullScope and Content
These documents consist of a series of Affidavits of Title dated September 30, 1921, regarding the conveyance of property from Ebenezer Bull to The William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association, Inc. The property is located in the Township of Hamptonburgh, Orange County, New York, and centers on the historic "Stone House."
Here is a summary of the key information contained in the affidavits:
Property Details
Total Acreage: Approximately 189 acres, composed of four separate parcels.
Possession History: Ebenezer Bull held the first tract since 1867, the second since 1902, and the third and fourth since 1907.
Status: At the time of the deed, the title was declared free and clear of all taxes, liens, and encumbrances.
Family Genealogy & Legal History
The affidavits provide a detailed look at the Bull family tree to ensure all potential heirs' claims were extinguished:
Ebenezer Bull (the Elder): Died October 20, 1857. He left twelve children as heirs: Daniel, Peter, Charles, Hannah, Amy, Jane H., Phebe, Elizabeth, Anna B., Sarah, Martha, and Ebenezer (the affiant).
Daniel Bull: Died intestate on January 9, 1878.
Hannah Bull: Died unmarried and intestate on January 19, 1907. The affidavits state that she had "failure of her mind" starting in 1903 and was under the constant care of Ebenezer and his wife, Anna, until her death.
Peter Bull: Died around January 26, 1905, leaving "practically no assets."
Legal Clarifications
A significant portion of the text is dedicated to clearing "clouds" on the title:
Mortgage Discharge: A mortgage given in 1867 by Daniel Bull to Hannah and Peter Bull ($5,578.38) is discussed. The affiants swear that no interest or principal was ever claimed on this mortgage and that any interest Hannah held merged into the fee when she acquired the premises in 1878.
Judgment Clearing: Ebenezer Bull clarifies that any judgments found on record against an "Ebenezer Bull" are against a different individual of the same name, not him.
Cemetery Lots: Ebenezer confirms that any cemetery lots previously sold from the farm are now included within the fenced boundaries of the Hamptonburgh Cemetery Association.
Key Individuals
Ebenezer Bull: The Grantor/Affiant.
Anna H. Walling Bull: Ebenezer’s wife (married Oct 17, 1894), who provided a supporting affidavit regarding the care of Hannah Bull.
George W. Crist: The Justice of the Peace who notarized the documents.
Hunt, Hill & Betts: The law firm representing the parties, located at 120 Broadway, New York, N.Y.
