WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Looking through more of the documents in this collection pertaining to John Lapham Bullis, we've noticed various words describing him.

To Nettie, of course, he was "Uncle John." And to other family members, he was referred to as "John" or "Johnny."

Records show that he was also known as "Thunderbolt" and "Whirlwind" by some of those who experienced his bravery on the battlefield. And to the people of Texas who presented him with a valuable sword to show their appreciation for protecting their homes and their lives, he was known as "Friend of the Frontier."

On a different level, to President Theodore Roosevelt who appointed him Brigadier General on May 24, 9104, he was courageous, brave and a true soldier.

So that's what's in a name ... John Lapham Bulllis, the man, the family member, the soldier who was greatly loved by his family and his country. And we are fortunate to be able to "know" him through the materials in the Bullis Room. You're invited to stop by and let us show you some of them.

THE WHIRLWIND

John Lapham Bullis's military career spanned 43 years. During that time he received countless recognitions and promotions for his bravery and loyalty.

However, when he served as "Chief Scout at Fort Clark (Bracketville, Texas), he engaged in some of the most exciting and least known battles in the annals of American history." As a result Brigadier General D.S. Stanley stated that, "Bullis...has the most successful career of an Indian fighter that has ever been recorded in the history of the American Army." (True West Magazine, October, 1981, pages 12 & 13)

This True West article titled "John Bullis" documents battles in which Bullis and his Fort Clark scouts fought in the Indian Wars in southwestern United States and Mexico. This group of scouts (who called Bullis "The Whirlwind" or "Thunderbolt") consisted mainly of Seminole-Negro troops who greatly respected their leader not only for his military skill but also for his fairness and regard for those who served with him.

"The Seminoles' feelings for Bullis are best summed up in a statement years later by a former scout, Joseph Phillips: 'The scouts thought a lot of Bullis. Lieutenant Bullis was the only officer ever did stay the longest with us. That fella suffer jest like we all did out in de woods. He was a good man. He was a Injun fighter. He was tuff. He didn't care how big a bunch dey wuz, he went into 'em everytime, but he look after his men. His men was on equality, too. He didn't stan' back and say "Go yonder;" he would say, "Come on boys, let's go get 'em.'" (True West Magazine, October, 1981, page 13)

Space does not allow us to share all of the battles led by John Bullis. However, the "last conflict by Seminole scouts is credited by many historians as being the last action with hostile Indians in the state. Bullis' scouts literally saw the end of the Indian wars in Texas." (True West Magazine, October, 1981, page 18)

This last battle involved an attack by Lipan Indians on a home near the head of the Frio River in which two people were killed. Twelve days later the scouts were given instructions to follow and destroy the raiders. Although the trail was "cold," then-Lieutenant Bullis and his scouts successfully tracked the Lipans and spotted their camp less than a week later. They attacked the camp at daybreak and although four braves were killed and others captured, Bullis and his men suffered no casualties.

John Bullis was rewarded for his gallant actions by being breveted a Captain and a Major on the same day, February 27, 1890. Following that, "he relocated to New Mexico territory as Agent for the Pueblo and Jicarilla Indians." Then in 1897 he was appointed to U.S. Army Paymaster....."His days of action were finished." (True West Magazine, October, 1981, page 19)

His military career ended in 1905, but John Lapham Bullis--the Whirlwind--is still remembered and admired more than one hundred years later.