Rushden Research Group: Bull Family

The Bull Family

James Bull of Wymington & Eliza (nee Wells) his wife from Souldrop. In 1861 they were living in Linnitts Lane with their growing family of Eliza, Charles, Henry John, Martha and baby George just two months old. They added two more children to their family, John in 1863 and Mary in 1864. In about 1866 the family moved to No. 19 Little Street, opposite the Old Baptist Chapel or ‘Top Meeting’.

The Rushden Argus July 14^th 1922, transcribed by Susan Manton

Four Generations
Nonagenarian Receives Congratulatory Letter from Queen Alexandra

Mrs. Bull (aged 90) with Mrs. T. Stapleton, of Stafford (daughter), Mrs. Plant (grand-daughter) and her infant great grand-daughter

Four generations are represented in this interesting family group, which was specially pictured on Saturday when the principal “sitter” Mrs. James Bull, of Little Street, Rushden, celebrated her 90^th birthday. A birthday party was held at the Independent Wesleyan Schools and between 70 and 80 friends attended. Among those who made congratulatory speeches were Messrs. W. Lack, E. Wrighton, G. Denton, J.S. Clipson, A. Wilmott and J. Wilmott, who all testified that Mrs. Bull had spent a life in the service of all that was noble and good, not only in duties to her family, but to the community generally. After tea games were played, and others joined the party – notably Mr. C.L. Bradfield, who appreciatively referred to his early associations with the Bull family. He used to play cricket, he said, with Mrs. Bull’s sons – the late Mr. Charles Bull and Mr. George Bull (who played for Surrey and Northamptonshire respectively) in the backyard of the house, and that yard undoubtedly served as the training ground for the two county cricketers.

Mrs. Bull delighted the company by making a speech in reply to the kind wishes that had been expressed and said it was a joy and pleasure to her to meet so many of her friends.

Mr. T. Stapleton (Stafford) responded on behalf of the family, which, it is interesting to note, included two “four generation” groups. Three great-grandchildren were present. Some of Mrs. Bull’s children are in America, but on July 4^th they did not omit to celebrate the great occasion.

Queen Alexandra’s Congratulations

The old lady received a letter conveying the kindly wishes of Queen Alexandra:

Marlborough House
July 6^th 1922

Dear Madam

This is to tell you that Queen Alexandra’s thoughts were much with you on your 90^th birthday, and Her Majesty wishes you God’s best blessings.

Yours truly
Charlotte Knollys.

Rushden Echo, 6th July 1928, transcribed by Kay Collins

The Ninety-Sixth Anniversary of her birthday was reached yesterday by Mrs James Bull, who lives with her daughter, Mrs W Stapleton, in Little-street. Two of her sons, the late George and Charles Bull, were well-known county cricketers. Besides many relatives in the Homeland, there are others in America. Mrs Bull is the oldest member of the High-street Independent Wesleyan Church. She still has an excellent memory of her early days.

James Bull died on 13th August 1910 and his wife Eliza died on 6th March 1929 and are buried in Rushden Cemetery Grave E21.

Charles Bull