American Colonial Governor. He emigrated to America in 1635 and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Identified by Massachusetts officials as a supporter of Anne Hutchinson, in 1637 Bull moved to what is now Rhode Island and was one of the founders Newport. Bull served in the militia and Warden of Newport's prison, and was a member of the Rhode Island Assembly from 1655 to 1657, also serving as the colony's Deputy Governor in 1666, 1672 to 1674, 1679, and 1681. In 1685 Bull was elected Governor, and served a one year term. In 1690 he was again elected Deputy Governor. Later in 1690 the question of succession to the English throne was resolved when William and Mary were crowned, resulting in the reorganization of several colonial governments, including Rhode Island's. At age 80, Bull was elected interim Governor, with the Rhode Island Assembly taking advantage of his past service as chief executive and preeminent status as the last living founder of the colony to enhance the credibility of the new government. He served from February until May, when he was elected to a full term, but declined to serve on account of his advanced age, afterwards living in retirement in Newport. Governor Bull was a Quaker, and for many years the Newport congregation met at his home. The Henry Bull House remained a Newport landmark and was the city's oldest still-standing building until it was lost to fire in 1912.
American Colonial Governor. He emigrated to America in 1635 and settled in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Identified by Massachusetts officials as a supporter of Anne Hutchinson, in 1637 Bull moved to what is now Rhode Island and was one of the founders Newport. Bull served in the militia and Warden of Newport's prison, and was a member of the Rhode Island Assembly from 1655 to 1657, also serving as the colony's Deputy Governor in 1666, 1672 to 1674, 1679, and 1681. In 1685 Bull was elected Governor, and served a one year term. In 1690 he was again elected Deputy Governor. Later in 1690 the question of succession to the English throne was resolved when William and Mary were crowned, resulting in the reorganization of several colonial governments, including Rhode Island's. At age 80, Bull was elected interim Governor, with the Rhode Island Assembly taking advantage of his past service as chief executive and preeminent status as the last living founder of the colony to enhance the credibility of the new government. He served from February until May, when he was elected to a full term, but declined to serve on account of his advanced age, afterwards living in retirement in Newport. Governor Bull was a Quaker, and for many years the Newport congregation met at his home. The Henry Bull House remained a Newport landmark and was the city's oldest still-standing building until it was lost to fire in 1912.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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