John L. Bullis facts for kids

John Lapham Bullis (born April 17, 1841 – died May 26, 1911) was a very brave American soldier. He earned many awards for his service. Later in life, he became a successful businessman.

John was born in Macedon, New York. He was the oldest of seven children. His parents were Dr. Abram R. and Lydia P. Bullis. Even though he grew up in a Quaker family (a peaceful religious group), he didn't go to their services often.

Bullis fought in three major wars: the Civil War, the Indian Wars, and the Spanish-American War. After his military career, he used his knowledge of West Texas to make smart investments in land. By 1886, he was a partner in the Shafter Silver Mine in Presidio County, Texas. He worked with famous Colonel William R. Shafter and rancher John A. Spencer. These investments helped him become a very wealthy man.

Fighting in the Civil War

On August 8, 1862, John Bullis joined the army as a private. He was part of the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry. He quickly showed his skills and was promoted to corporal.

Bullis was injured and captured during the Battle of Harpers Ferry in September 1862. He was hurt and captured again at the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. After that, he was held for 10 months in a tough prison called Libby Prison in Virginia. He was finally traded for a Confederate soldier in the spring of 1864.

In August 1864, he was made a captain in the 118th USCT Infantry. The United States Colored Troops (USCT) were special army units. They were made up of African American volunteers. Many of these soldiers had been enslaved before. White officers, like Bullis, led these brave troops.

In February 1866, Bullis left the Army. He couldn't get a permanent position because the army was much smaller after the war.

Serving in the Indian Wars

In September 1867, Bullis was offered a new role. He became a Second Lieutenant in the 41st (Colored) Infantry. This was an all-black regiment. In 1869, the army reduced its number of regiments. Bullis was then moved to the 24th (Colored) Infantry. This was a famous "Buffalo Soldier" regiment stationed in Texas.

In 1873, Bullis was promoted to First Lieutenant. He was then put in charge of the Seminole-Negro Indian Scouts at Fort Clark, Texas. These scouts were very important.

From 1873 to 1876 and again from 1878 to 1879, he worked under General Ranald S. Mackenzie. Bullis earned praise for his bravery during this time.

From 1882 to 1888, he served at Fort Supply in the Indian Territory. In 1886, he helped General Nelson A. Miles in his mission to capture the famous Apache leader, Geronimo.

From 1888 to 1893, Bullis worked as an Indian Agent. He helped the Apaches on the San Carlos Reservation. Then, from 1893 to 1897, he was stationed in Santa Fe, New Mexico Territory. There, he served as an Indian Agent for the Pueblo and Jicarilla Apache peoples.

Bullis was promoted to major in 1897. He worked as a paymaster at Fort Sam Houston.

In 1898 and 1899, Bullis fought in the Spanish-American War in Cuba. He served with the 24th Colored Infantry, the Buffalo Soldiers.

In 1904, just before he retired, President Theodore Roosevelt promoted him. Bullis became a brigadier general.

Battles and Bravery

Eagle's Nest Crossing (April 1875)

On April 5, Lieutenant Bullis went on patrol. He was with three Seminole-Negro Indian scouts. Their names were Sergeant John Ward, Trumpeter Issac Payne, and Private Pompey Factor. They were looking for a group of raiders who had attacked a stage coach.

On April 18, Bullis and his men found a group of 25-30 Lipan Apache. They were driving about 75 stolen horses toward Mexico. Even though they were greatly outnumbered, Bullis and his scouts decided to track them. On April 26, they caught up with the group at Eagle's Nest Crossing. This was just before the Pecos River.

They surprised the raiders and got the horses back. But the raiders quickly regrouped and chased the scouts. A fierce fight broke out. Sergeant Ward's rifle was shattered by bullets. The scouts were low on ammunition and outnumbered. They had to retreat and leave the horses behind. Bullis was knocked off his horse. Sergeant Ward bravely rode back and picked him up.

Bullis recommended Sergeant Ward, Trumpeter Payne, and Private Factor for a special award. They all received the Medal of Honor on May 28, 1875, for their incredible bravery.

Life After the Army

Bullis retired from the Army in 1905. He held the rank of Brigadier General.

On the evening of May 25, 1911, Bullis was watching a boxing match. He was at the fort's gym at Fort Sam Houston. He suddenly became ill. He died the next day, May 26, 1911, at the Post Hospital. He passed away from a stroke.

John Lapham Bullis was buried at the San Antonio National Cemetery. Many Buffalo Soldiers are also buried there. His second wife, Josephine, was buried there in 1934. His oldest daughter, Lydia, was buried there in 1973.

Family Life

In 1872, Bullis married Alice Rodríguez of San Antonio, Texas. She passed away in 1887. They did not have any children.

In 1891, he married Josephine Withers (born September 8, 1865 - died December 3, 1934). She was also from San Antonio, Texas. They had three daughters:

• Lydia P. Bullis (born September 7, 1892)
• Anita Withers Bullis (born September 8, 1892)
• Octavia M. Bullis (born April 5, 1894)

Octavia married William Halcomb, who was an officer in the US Army. They had one son, William Sumner Halcomb (born October 28, 1927). William S. Halcomb later retired from the Army as a Lieutenant-Colonel.

Awards and Honors

In 1881, the people of Kinney County, Texas, gave Bullis a special gift. They gave him two engraved swords, one gold and one silver. This was to thank him for his services. You can see these swords at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas.

On April 7, 1882, the Texas Legislature officially thanked Bullis. They praised him for protecting the people of Texas from raids.

In 1890, Bullis received special citations for his brave service. These were for fights at Remolino (Mexico) in 1873, Eagle's Nest Crossing (Texas) in 1875, Saragosa (Mexico) in 1876, and Burro Mountains (Mexico) in 1881.

In 1917, an army base was named Camp Bullis in his honor.