Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL aaa

Transcribed by Brandi McLoughlin

Rufus M. Bullock, general farmer and long one of the leading and prominent citizens of Whiteside, County and residing upon sections 29 and 32, Tampico Township, was born in Bristol Co., Mass., Jan. 26, 1816, and when a year old his parents removed to Ontario Co., N.Y., where they passed the remainder of their days, honored and respected people. Our subject was reared upon the farm in Ontario County and attended the public schools, obtaining a good common-school education. At the age of 20 he left his parental home and began teaching school, first on Ontario County, then in Massachusetts and then in Michigan. In 1851 he came farther West and located in Rockton, Winnebago Co., Ill., where he built the first to inaugurate this business in Northern Illinois. After running the factory for three years he sold it and came to Tampico, this county, desiring to change his usiness. He settled upon 160 acres of land which he had previously purchased, and which he still occupies. He is now the proprietor of 360 acres altogether, which is mostly improved. He has a finely equipped farm and a well furnished farmer’s home, and in the declining years of his life enjoys the well earned fruits of an energetic and successful career. In his political views, Mr. Bullock is a Republican, and he has been Township Clerk. As to religion, both Mr. and Mrs. B. are consistent members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Bullock’s father and three of her brothers were Baptist ministers.

 Mr. Bullock was first married in Bristol Co., Mass., March 4, 1844, to Miss Phebe H. Gulliver, who was born in that county, Jan. 17, 1820, and died at her home in Richmond, Ontario Co., N.Y., Nov. 13, 1845. He was again married in Livingston Co., N.Y., Sept. 16, 1846 to Miss Olive W. Purinton who was born in Cortland Co., N.Y., Feb. 21, 1819. She is the daughter of Rev. Thomas Purinton, a Baptist clergyman. By this marriage eight children have been born, four of whom have died. These living are Mary M., now the wife of Mr. Putter; Eudora E., residing at home; Ida M., now the wife of Frank B. Thomas (see sketch); and Mrs. Carrie A. Morgan. The deceased are Phebe J., Edith E., and two infants.