Part 3

                        WILLIAM BULL and SARAH WELLS

                       SARAH BULL and FRANCIS BOWMAN
 
 

Dear girls of "Paradise Point"  

Mother received the package of nice Wintergreen Berries all right and she was
greatly pleased with them and wishes to thank you all for them. It was ever so
nice of you to think of her and pick them for her. She is very fond of them,
but she let me have a taste too and I think they are fine.

I wish I had the time to tell you what a nice vacation of two weeks I have
had. I have been to Worcestor, Mass., to visit brother Will and family. I
timed my trip to be present at Emily's graduation from the Adams Square
Grammar School which ocurred June 21. She represented her class in composition and wrote an essay on the subject "The controversy between the Pen and the Sword." She is planning to go to a preparatory High School next year and the year after hopes to enter a classical High School and there prepare to enter Simmons College in Boston. It is quite a number of years off yet, but I am pleased that she is planning to get a good education. The next day after she graduated, she and her father and I went by trolley to Concord and Lexington and over to Boston, where we have supper before we returned to Worcestor at 11PM the same night.

Oh, how I would like to talk to you about what we saw in Concord, for there 
we hired a rig with a good guide and saw many of the historic points of the
Revolutionary War. Saw the spot where the battle of Concord was fought, saw
the monument of the Minute Men who were ready to fight the British when Paul
Revere made his famous ride from Boston to Concord waking up the farmers
and calling them to duty. We took our lunch and ate it in the old tavern which is
still kept as a tavern, and where I suppose that Washington was entertained
many and many a time, and in this house we saw the room where Major Pitcairn
made his famous boast that he would spill the blood of the British before
night.

Saw the house with the mark of the first bullet which was fired in the first
battle at Concord. Walked over the famous bridge which has been replaced
with a more substantial one where Paul Revere rode that noght told of in
Longfellow's poem "Paul Revere's Ride" which I suspect you have read and which is so beautiful. I could not help but think of it as we passed over the same ground. Saw the old Colonial Inn, and the monument erected to the 
British, got a drink of water in the fine green square, where was fought the famous battle of Concord and rested under the immense old elm tree, (I should think it would measure 6 feet in diameter) which was used as the old whipping post in the time of the Revolutionary War. Passed the homes of Hawthorne, Emerson, Thoreau so famous in their writings and also rambled all over the orchard Home of the Alcott's whose book I fancy some of you have read. Emily was greatly pleased with the inside of this old house which is kept in fine order, because she loves Louisa Alcott's books so much, particularly "Little Women" and in this very house this book was written. In the room of May Alcott, a sister of Louisa some old furniture is still kept and some of the paper on the wall and the plain blue border is the same as when she lived there and was a border which she cut and put on herself. In her room also we noticed many of her own sketches, for she was an artist as you may know, and these sketches she had made on the door and window casings in her room and all of which were very interesting.
 

page  2.

Oh, how I wish I could write faster, for I would like to tell you so much,
about not only this strange old house and its historic relics, but I must
hurry along and tell you how we went into the famous and fine old "Sleepy
Hollow Cemetery" where are buried the Alcotts, Hawthorne, Emerson, Thoreau,
Elizabeth Peabody, and many other famous people whom we have all read about
and learned about at school.

But I must write fast, for after we had seen so much in Concord, we hurriedly
took another trolley car which took us over to Lexington where we saw the
battle ground of the first real battle of the Revolutionary War, the battle of
Lexington. Oh how I wish I could tell you how I felt as I stood upon this old
battle ground so quiet, so beautiful and so well preserved and in such fine
condition. We looked upon the monuments in the fine green square with the
deepest respect for the people who have given their lives for the world and
for us today. One of the most interesting things we had was our visit to the
old Hancock-Clark house where Hancock and Adams were sleeping when Paul Revere made his famous ride the night described in the poem I have spoken about and whom he wakened to fight the British. The old house has many old pieces of furniture, fine old pieces, some of them. We registered our names on Hancock's old desk in the room where he lived and where much of his old furniture is kept in good condition. I must speak of his bed which is a high posted bed with a canopy on top and curtains underneath, the bed itself being mahogany. It is covered with an old patchwork quilt with sheets and pillow cases of homespun linen. Here I saw many of the old colonial clothes worn at that time, the drum which was used in the Revolutionary War, the tattered 
flags, the guns, and etc. The old kettles and dishes, spinning wheels, old cradle, which was used in Hancock's family, old chairs, old clock, fine old mahogany chest of drawers, and oh the old interesting fireplace with its interesting old
relics clustered around it. 

In this old house too, I found a BOWMAN collection of relics, which attracted
my attention greatly, and which led us to inquire directly about it and
through the lady in charge we were directed to a lady over in East Lexintgton
upon whom we afterwards called, who told us much about the old Bowman family far back of the dates we have. This lady's name is Mrs. Sarah Bowman Van Ness, and as we told her of our grandfather and great grandfather Bowman being descended from the Bowmans who lived in the "ONE ASH" house in England, she then and there told us that we had much to be happy over for
we claim a Coat of Arms and then she gave us a copy of the Coat of Arms which Will is trying to reproduce in its proper coloring. She also showed us a picture of the old ONE ASH house which is still standing in England and which picture was painted in water colors by one of her family. Oh how I wish I could talk this instead of trying to write it all, for even a typewriter seems slow when there is so much to tell. Possibly you may not be interested in these family records as I am, but I am and have been intensely interested for a lonf time and have tried to get a great deal of information in all ways possible and this lady Mrs. Van Ness was a great help to me and was able to take me very much further back than I have ever been able to go and has also given instructions how to make the connecting links.  Oh, I must tell you that the Bowman Coat of Arms was the second one given by William the Conqueror of England and is a very simple one but was given for skill of our forefathers with the Bow and the Arrow.

Well, my dear girls I have been writing you about the experience of just one
part of a day during my happy trip and I could write a good deal more but time
forbids it just now, perhaps I can sometime tell you of some of the many nice
little trips I took while I was at Worcestor, going out to Nantasket beach and
looking out upon the old Atlantic ocean, watching the people as they were
bathing in the salt water. I did not have time to take a dip myself, although
I did manage to wash my hands and face in it.

With much love to each and all and with kind regards to your father and mother
and aunt Hattie and Uncle Ira, I am, Yours lovingly,
                                                          Mary.
 

                                                         Elmira, New York
                                                         West End First St.
                                                         RFD #3
                                                         Sept 29, 1912

Dear Frank,

I am sending you herewith a copy from a paper I have had sent to me from
Orange County (New York) telling me of the 200th Anniversary which was cele-
brated by the BULL family at the "Old Stone House" at Hamptonburgh on the 28th of August.

After receiving the paper I sent to the publishers to get other copies but was
not able to procure them. I felt sure that others of our family would like to
know about the interesting occasion, so purposely made a number of copies
which I shall give to different ones--Sorry I could not get the paper but I
feel quite sure you will find the copy of the account well worth reading.  No
doubt Hattie will enjoy reading it also.

I received a letter the other day from Harry Bull who was one of the prominent
ones in the committee of arrangements for the program and it was through him I
secured the paper. I suppose he is a cousin somewhere along the the BULL
family line but I do not know just where. The following is our line of descent:

  1.   William Bull  Sarah Wells
  2.   John Bull
  3.   Isaac Bull
  4.   Sarah Bull  Francis Bowman

Sarah Bull, as you know, being the own mother of my father and your father.
The grandmother Bowman whom we remember being Elizabeth Bull and grandfather Bowman's second wife but was a stepmother, not our own mother, to our fathers.

I can fancy your girls will be interested in the article as well as yourself.
If I remember I think you have a picture of the old stone house where the
celebration occurred.

We have a fine visit with Will, only it seemed all too short. He brought back
excellant report of his little visit with Jim to your house and it seemed next
best to seeing you all, to hear him talk about you all.

He left Elmira on the 17th going to Rochester, where he left his ticket to go
home as he came on excursion from Worcestor to Detroit and his trip from
Rochester to Elmira being a little side trip. I went with him to Rochester,
and together we visited Emily Sprague and Family, saw Rochester and
took in the Exposition there as well as enjoying the 100th anniversary of the
founding of the city.

Will left RochesterTuesday evening Sept 17 for Worcester and I remained over-night, coming home the following day. Will was delayed 7 hours by a 
wreck on the road near Springfield, Mass., but I am happy to say was not in the wreck.

All usually well in the family circle - Hannah and I spent the day on Labor
Day with Florence - On our way past the old Bowman Place we stopped for a
drink at the old well.

                                                         Love to all,   Mary

page 26
 

HISTORIC PAGEANT IN HONOR OF SARAH WELLS
HER DESCENDANTS CELEBRATE, AT OLD STONE HOUSE,   THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER COMING TO ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK
 

The Historical Pageant commemorative of the 200th anniversary of the coming of Sarah Wells to Orange County, New York took place on Wednesday, August 28th, 1912, at the Old Stone Hoiuse in Hamptonburgh, where the greater part of her long life was spent and where her death occurred.

The Pageant was in many respects unique, and it was successful to a degree
that must have exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine of those who
gave their time and energy to its production. The grounds at the Old Stone
House furnished an ideal setting for the historical representations that were
given, the costumes were historically accurate because they were largely
composed of garments actually worn during the period portrayed, and those who took part did so with intelligence and skill and an enthusiasm born of the
knowledge that they represented an ancestry that was sturdy, virile and self-
respecting, and that after a lapse of 200 years, finds all these qualities
reflected in its descendants.

The admirable story of the pageant that follows was written by Mrs W.V. Seaman of Craigville, a descendant of Sarah Wells and William Bull.

When the descendants of Sarah Wells thought of celebrating in some fitting
manner her coming to Orange County, 200 years ago, Miss Anna Craft prepared a brief outline for a pageant to represent scenes in the early life of the
Pioneer maiden. Meetings were called for and an appeal sent out for all
descendants to attend, and from those who attended the meetings committees
were selected and the work begun. As the interest and enthusiasm increased 
the program was enlarged and new characters introduced. After visiting the many picturesque spots on the farm of Ebenezer Bull, the committee selected the one - the lawn in front of the "Old Stone House" the home of Sarah Wells and William Bull.

Money, time and labor were given, treasured volumes of Eager's History were
studied, old traditions revived, and visions came of the olden times, until
the whole atmosphere and surroundings seemed steeped in memories of the 
past.  he descendants, mostly plain farmer folks, many having long miles to ride to attend the meetings, worked early and ate, endeavoring in every way 
possible to make the scenes historically correct. The garrets were searched, 
old chests and trunks were opened, and from them came gowns of brocade and homespun, rare old lace, antique bonnets and quaint little dresses, caps and knitted hose worn by babies of long ago.

We think of the things that Sarah Wells didn't have that we are enjoying in
these days of inventions and innovations, but during the pageant we were glad
that she knew nothing of sewing machines, shirts waists or bargain counters.
The gowns of the pioneer women were made from the best material, the
"homespun" of the softest, finest flax, or of silk or brocade that was
purchased with greatest care, made with much labor and hoarded and handed down to the children, until today the descendants of Sarah Wells have in their
attics in the old farmhouses, gowns that are priceless in associations and
recall eloquently the early history of Orange County.

The Barnabas Horton cane, brought from England in 1630, and the muskets, guns and flint locks used during the pageant were centuries old and doubtless were often used in defending the log cabin of our pioneers from wild beasts and savages.
 

page 27

When "the last Wednesday in August," the 45th annual Bull Picnic day dawned
there was great rejoicing over the clear skies and the cool breeze, and over
one thousand guests were soon grouped around the "Stone House", to witness the beginning of the scenes. Faithful to the memory of the "Pioneer Maid", her
descendants had the courage to originate and carry out successfully the first
Historical Pageant ever given in Orange County, thus perpetuating the old
ideals and keeping alive the old traditions.

                  "As one who walking in a forest sees
                  A lovely landscape 'thro the parted trees,
                  And see it not, for boughs that intervene,
                  So we behold the scene."
 

With a prelude of Indian dance music, squaws, Indian maidens and a company of "ten little Injuns", under the direction of Miss Dolly Hepburn, appeared and
danced such picturesque dancing that the "Period of the Aborigines" was made
so fascinating that we envied the grace and freedom of the Indians.

In the first scene Miss Dolly Booth, as Sarah Wells, and her escort of Indians
and carpenters were seen nearing the end of their journey, through the
wilderness from New Windsor, with pack horses and cows, laden with feather
beds and household goods. Camp made, a shelter built for the night and Sarah
sleeps guarded by her faithful escorts.

Scene second showed the clearing of the land and the building of the log
cabin. Sarah is defended from dangers, and at the close of the day as she is
preparing the evening meal, the Indians espy two persons approaching on
horseback, whom they recognize as Madam Denn, (Mrs. Amy Johnson) and
Christopher Denn. (Jesse Booth) They have traveled in haste from New York and as Madam Denn see the cabin she calls for Sarah. Hearing the beloved voice Sarah rushes from the cabin, frying pan in hand and swoons at the feet 
of her foster mother. She recovers and they enter the cabin that is to be their home for many days.

The third scene, - some years later -- pictures the courting William Bull
(represented by Harry Bull) the young English mason, coming over from
Greycourt, singing "Annie Laurie," to call on Sarah Wells (Miss Edna B.
Tuthill) who is busy spinning. She greets him shyly, but he receives a hearty
greeting from Christopher and Madam Denn. They go to the spring and drink from the gourd dipper. William presents Sarah with some game and the courting
proceeds so successfully that the wedding soon occurs. Guests were present at
the wedding, history tells us, but we are left in ignorance as to their names
but doubtless Madam and Daniel Cromline were present from their home on the
banks of the stream bearing their name. They are represented by Miss Jane
Pierson and Jesse R. Bull, who with the other guests are grouped near the
cabin, when the bride and groom appear, accompanied by Madam and Mr. Denn. The magistrate, Judge Merritt, is portrayed by Albert Bull, who proceeds to
proclaim the banns to the forest, the wilderness and the assembled guests.
After the ceremony there is a song by William Mapes and then with many low
bows and much grace the congratulations are given, the fiddler "tunes up" and
a graceful "Virginia Reel" makes a beautiful picture with the uniforms and the
bright costumes of the men, the quaint old gowns of the ladies and the
faithful Indians and squaws in the background, while the bride wears the
original wedding dress, made of homespun and embroidered with flowers. The
threads have remained strong, the stitches firm. Hardly have 200 years dimmed
the color of the flowers. It represented the real wedding of Sarah Wells. It
tells of the hardships, the deprivations, the reverence and the love that have
kept it all these years.
 
 

page 28

Colonial times were pictured by three scenes, the first being represented by
Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer Bull, Jr. and their baby Sarah Wells Bull. William
having gone to Fishkill, and not returning when expected, Sarah ties her baby
to the bed post and goes to meet him and assist him home, worn out from the
long journey. The scene is portrayed perfectly, even the baby acting her part,
cheerfully waving farewell to her mother and sobbing when she realizes she is
alone.

Then begins the scene of the building of the Stone House, when again Mis Booth takes the part of Sarah, and assists William (Albert Bull) by carrying stones in her homespun apron, and he proceeds with the mason work of the house.

The seventh scene shows the arrival of a messenger (Whitfield Bull) who has
been lost in the forest across the Otterkill, and declares he spent the night
"in Purgatory". Hence the name of the nearby swamp.

The eight scene is represented by a grandson of Samuel W. Eager, who with
quill in hand writes his famous history of Orange County and reviews the
twelve children of Sarah Wells and William Bull. The five sons and their
wives, the seven daughters and their husbands were impersonated by directs
descendants. When we realize that Sarah Wells had twelve children married and 98 grandchildren at the time of her death we cease to wonder at the great
number of her people that are scattered throughout the United States.

The closing scene of the pageant was the eight geneartions,- line of William,
the oldest living descendants being represented by Judge William Bull and 
wife of Stony Ford. All the characters then appeared in a group and led the
audience in singing the "Tribute to Sarah Wells," written by Mrs. William H.
Bull, who also assisted in arranging the musical numbers that were given so
effectively during the pageant. The solo by Miss Mills, the greeting by
William R. Bull, the address by William R. Bull and the one by the Rev. W.A.
Eisenhart were given as arranged for in the artistic programs that were
distributed to the guests. Space does not permit a full review, but they will
doubtless be printed later as well as the names of all those taking part in
the Pageant, and those who contributed financially.

Many good things were given which were not expected. Judge William Bull read a letter from President Taft expressing his appreciation of the invitation and
voicing his regret at not being able to be present, and preceding the business
meeting Jesse Durland gave an inspiring address.

The procession to the tables was led by the host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs.
Ebenezer Bull, of the old Stone House, who were untiring in their services and
courtesy and who gave hearty welcome to all to enter their historic home, the
mecca of the Bull family. Too much praise cannott be given to the committee,
especially Harry Bull, the president, Mrs. Susan Howell annd Miss Margaret 
Cox and all who worked so faithfully and were rewarded by the successful day and the congratulations of the guests who came from such distance places, and
represented so many branches of the familt tree. The register contained the
autographs of many people of prominence from near and far, including Mr.
Zabriskie of Hackensack; Editor Haines of the Homesdale, Pennsylvania
Independent; Judge Seeger of Newburgh; Mr and Mrs. DeMott and Miss Sarah Smith of Ralston, New Jersey. Worthington Whitehouse of New York City; W.J. Leddall, wife and daughter of Summit, New Jersey. Hon. Henry Seacord of Washingtonville; Cadet H.N. Bull of West Point; Prof and Mrs. Moore of Colgate University and hundreds of others.
 

page 29
 

The loan exhibition contained some priceless heirlooms, rare old china, lace
and embroidery made by Sarah Wells; a belt obtained by Peter Bull from the
Indians by a gift of tobacco, the rare old paper written the day of Sarah
Well's funeral, containing a list of her children and grandchildren, samplers
exquisitely worked, rare old paintings, silhouettes and engravings, silver and
linen, Indian relics, the wedding slippers of Sarah Well's daughter, Margaret,
with the high heel (and yet the speaker of the day spoke of the foolishness of
the modern woman who wwore high heels), the wedding gloves of another daughter made by hand of the softest kid and reaching to the shoulder, the wedding ring of another daughter and books with quaint inscriptions, while the Stone House itself is the host of all the heirlooms, the enduring work of our ancestors -where we hope to meet again to sing together the "Tribute to Sarah Wells"

                        Our kindred, 'tis of thee
                        Fair maid of destiny.
                        Of thee we sing.
                        "Twas Sarah Wells by name,
                        Who to Orange County came,
                        Ne'er dreaming her future name
                        Abroad should ring.

                        Dense thro' these woods and drear
                        She faltered not through fear,
                        Did well her part.
                        How nature wrought her spell,
                        Lies not with us to tell,
                        On the resultant facts we dwell,
                        Of Cupid's art.

                        She married William Bull,
                        Whose heart and head were full,
                        Of life's great plan.
                        Strong, sturdy, staunch was he,
                        Skilled han in masonry,
                        Proud of his ancestry.
                        Old English clan.

                        They labored, loved and gained,
                        A homestead, still retained,
                        With sacred thought,
                        See, there the structure stands,
                        Built by their hands,
                        Stones from the surrounding lands
                        In her arpon brought.

                        Now may we emulate,
                        Each worthy deed and trait,
                        When duty calls,
                        So that our progeny,
                        Of us as proud may be,
                        When they are relating history,
                        Ere life's curtain falls.

         At the business meeting the following officers were elected:

                   President:  Harry Bull, of Hamptonburgh.
                   Secretary:  Whitfield H. Bull, of Washingtonville.
                   Treasurer:  Jesse Bull, of Oxford Depot.

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