Back, standing left to right: Jim, Albert, Augustus, Ed, Finis
Front, seated left to right: Aime, Rev. Marquis Lafayette Bullard (holding Lora), Grandpa Matthews, Sarah Lucretia Matthews Bullard (holding Maude)

Brother Bullard was born at Olney, Ill., December 27, 1842. He was the youngest of seven children, six boys and one girl. The family moved to Selma, Ill., and early in the morning of August 31, 1854, they loaded their household effects into wagons and started to Texas. After a long and toilsome journey they arrived at Roanoke, Denton County. This was Brother Bullard's home for thirty-six years. Only a few families had ventured to settle this far West. The wide domain stretching west to Santa Fe, New Mexico, was under the almost undisputed rule of wild Indians, and wild beasts. Farming and stock-raising were in their infancy. Supplies were brought in great ox wagons, drawn by four to twelve oxen. They came from Houston, Shreveport or Jefferson, each about three or four hundred miles away. Facilities for obtaining an education were poor. Amid these surroundings, battling against poverty and disadvantages, our hero received training for his life's work. His father taught him the necessity of an education. By close application a fair English education was obtained. At the age of eighteen he entered the McKenzie Institute of Clarksville, Texas. The war between the States soon put a stop to his schooling. These years of war were bitter and dreadful. In the language of Brother Bullard himself let us hear of the regret for that wasted time: "It would have been better far could I have pillowed by youthful head in mother's humble home; and Rip Van Winkle like, slept these wasted years away. But let the curtain drop and erase from memory's tablet, so far as possible, the sad history of this period of my life." He returned home in '65 and resumed the work of acquiring an education.

December 23, 1869, he was married to Miss Sarah L. Matthews, with whom he is still journeying. To them were born fourteen children, nine of whom still live. The industry, self-sacrifice and frugality of this family have made it possible for the husband and father to preach the gospel--Lo, these many years.

In the late summer of 1871, at a revival meeting, held by Revs. Matthews, Donald and W. R. Baker, Cumberland ministers, in the sacred altar of prayer on the straw, bowed in deep penitence at the anxious seat, Brother Bullard made a complete surrender to God's will, and was saved. For forty-two years, from that till the present hour, he has been the child of a great King. Praise God for this enduring salvation. Soon he was made ruling elder and Sunday school superintendent, and represented his church at the fall meeting of Guthrie Presbytery. In 1874, after about two years probation, he was ordained to the ministry at Pilot Point, Texas. The following years were crowded full of work as supply, pastor and evangelist.

In 1890, a few weeks after Chickasaw Presbytery was organized, he moved to Sulphur, Okla. The following spring he joined said presbytery, and remained a member of it about eighteen years. Here were the most self-sacrificing and arduous labors of his life and possibly the most fruitful.

When the Union craze broke upon our church it did not take Brother Bullard long to decide what was right. So soon as the ecclesiastical aim was impregnated with this move this humble man's mind was set against it. He was a commissioner to the General Assembly of 1903, held at Nashville. He carried out the instructions of his presbytery, which were as follows: "Talk and vote against every possible phase of the proposed move." He was one of the faithful 103 at Fresno, and again represented his presbytery at Dickson in the 1907 Assembly. No one has stood firmer at all times nor been more faithful than this aged soldier of the cross.

In June, 1909, he moved to Roswell, New Mexico, having placed his membership in the Amarillo Presbytery. Always alert to advance the cause of his beloved church he called a consultation to meet in a room of his own home in October, 1911, looking to the organization of a presbytery in that new country. Rev. O. W. Carter, of Elida, and Rev. E. D. Dysart, of Cumberland, met him and the organization was consummated in January, 1913. This new presbytery has had two regular meetings and has on its roll seven ministers and four congregations. The success of this work is largely due to his efforts.

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 282-285.]

Article from The Cumberland Presbyterian Banner, September 13, 1912, page 8

Roswell, New Mexico.-- I closed a revival meeting Aug. 25 at Elkins, New Mexico. Brothers Sneed and Dysart were with me and did very efficient preaching. A small church was organized. Brother Sneed will preach once a month until a new Presbytery can be organized. Many people here appreciate going to church. Some came four miles to this meeting and walked; having no other way to come. I have just returned from the Capitan Mountains where I organized a small church about one month ago. I consented to preach once a month until late fall. Brother Dysart accompanied me to my appointment last Sunday. We preached four times for the little church and conducted a funeral service, and preached once in another settlement eight miles further west. One family came to service who lived twelve miles away, and whose little nine year old girl never heard a sermon before.-- Rev. M.L. Bullard.

[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1922, page 144]

Information taken from the General Assembly Minutes of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church:

1874
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Candidate, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1875
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Candidate, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1876
M. L. Bullard-- Louisville [should be Lewisville], Texas
Candidate, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1877
M. L. Bullard-- Louisville [should be Lewisville], Texas
Licentiate, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1878
M. L. Bullard-- Louisville [should be Lewisville], Texas
Licentiate, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1879
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1880
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1881
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1882
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1883
M. L. Bullard-- Denton, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1884
M. L. Bullard-- Bullard Mills, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1885
M. L. Bullard-- Waketown, [Waketon?] Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1886
M. L. Bullard-- Bullard's Mills, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1887
M. L. Bullard-- Bartonville, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1888
M. L. Bullard-- Bartonville, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Trinity Synod

1889
M. L. Bullard-- Bartonville, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod

1890
M. L. Bullard-- Bartonville, Texas
Minister, Guthrie Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Sunny Dale Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Corinth, Texas]

1891
Not listed

1892
M. L. Bullard-- Buck Horn, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Dripping Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Noble, Oklahoma Territory]
Pastor-- Buckhorn Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Mill Creek, Texas]
Pastor-- Walnut Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Texas]

1893
M. L. Bullard-- Buck Horn, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Roff, Indian Territory]

1894
M. L. Bullard-- Buck Horn, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod

1895
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Davis Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Davis, Indian Territory
Pastor-- Fairview Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Oak Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Roff Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Roff, Indian Territory

1896
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Oak Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Palmer Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Palmer, Indian Territory

1897
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Palmer Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Palmer, Indian Territory
Pastor-- Union Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]

1898
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Presbyterial Missionary, Chickasaw Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Oak Ridge Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Union Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Davis, Indian Territory]

1899
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Sulphur Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Sulphur, Indian Territory

1900
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Sulphur Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Sulphur, Indian Territory

1901
M. L. Bullard-- Davis, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Tishomingo Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tishomingo, Indian Territory

1902
M. L. Bullard-- Tishomingo, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Tishomingo Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Tishomingo, Indian Territory

1903
M. L. Bullard-- Tishomingo, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Commissioner to General Assembly, May 21-28, Nashville, Tennessee
Pastor-- Pontotoc Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Pontotoc, Indian Territory

1904
M. L. Bullard-- Tishomingo, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Chapman Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Tishomingo, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Pontotoc Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Pontotoc, Indian Territory

1905
M. L. Bullard-- Tishomingo, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Commissioner to General Assembly, May 18-24, Fresno, California
Pastor-- Buckhorn Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Buckhorn, Indian Territory
Pastor-- Chapman Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Tishomingo, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Pontotoc Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Pontotoc, Indian Territory
Pastor-- Reagen Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Reagen, Indian Territory

1906
M. L. Bullard-- Tishomingo, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- Chapman Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Tishomingo, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Pontotoc Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Pontotoc, Indian Territory

1907
M. L. Bullard-- Stratford, Indian Territory
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Commissioner to General Assembly, May 16-21, Dickson, Tennessee
Pastor-- Buckhorn Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Buckhorn, Indian Territory
Pastor-- Stanford Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Stratford, Indian Territory]
Pastor-- Wapanucka Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Wapanucka, Indian Territory

1908
M. L. Bullard-- Lawrence, Oklahoma
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod

1909
M. L. Bullard-- Ada, Oklahoma
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod
Pastor-- New Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Ada, Oklahoma]

1910
M. L. Bullard-- Ada, Oklahoma
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod

1911
M. L. Bullard-- Ada, Oklahoma
Minister, Amarillo Presbytery, Texas Synod

1912
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Amarillo Presbytery, Texas Synod

1913
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Stated Clerk, Roswell Presbytery, Texas Synod
Pastor-- Lone Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church
[Session Clerk lived in Meek, New Mexico]
Pastor-- Roswell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Roswell, New Mexico

1914
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Stated Clerk, Roswell Presbytery, Texas Synod

1915
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Stated Clerk, Roswell Presbytery, West Texas-New Mexico Synod

1916
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Stated Clerk, Roswell Presbytery, West Texas-New Mexico Synod

1917
M. L. Bullard-- Lock Box 225, Roswell, New Mexico
Minister, Roswell Presbytery, West Texas-New Mexico Synod

1918
Not Listed

1919
M. L. Bullard-- Fillmore, Oklahoma
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod

1920
M. L. Bullard-- Fillmore, Oklahoma
Minister, Chickasaw Presbytery, Indianola Synod

1921
M. L. Bullard-- Decatur, Texas
Gregory Presbytery, Texas Synod

1922
M. L. Bullard-- Decatur, Texas
Gregory Presbytery, Texas Synod

Amos Elijah Bullard
wife: Sarah "Sallie" Hawkins

Children of Amos Elijah Bullard and Sarah "Sallie" Hawkins Bullard:

1. Mary Ann Bullard
born: 1925

2. Harriet Bullard
born: 1827

3. Joseph H. Bullard
born: 1829
died: 1854

4. Catherine Bullard
born: 1834
died: 1856

5. Amos C. Bullard
born: 1837
died: 1923

6. Marquis Lafayette Bullard
Cumberland Presbyterian Minister
born: 27 December 1842 - Olney, Richland County, Illinois
died: January 1922 - Decatur, Wise County, Texas
married: 23 December 1869
wife: Sarah Lucretia Matthews
born: 8 January 1850 - Missouri
died: 4 May 1921 - Decatur, Wise County, Texas

Children of Marquis Lafayette Bullard and Sarah Lucretia Matthews Bullard:

7.1. Flora A Bullard
born: 11 June 1871
died: 14 December 1886

7.2. Augustus "Gus" Bullard
born: 1872

7.3. Silvan A. Bullard
born: 8 June 1873
died: 8 April 1875

7.4. Albert Birdon Bullard
born: 12 February 1874
died: 29 January 1946

7.5. Jim Bullard
[twin to Aime]

7.6. Aime Bullard
[twin to Jim]

7.7. Zula E. Bullard
born: 2 March 1879
died: 26 December 1886

7.8. James Matthews "Jim" Bullard
born: 1881
died: 1946

7.9. Ed Bullard

7.10. Finis Ewing Bullard
born: 1883
died: 1914

7.11. William L. Bullard
born: 14 September 1886
died: 24 September 1886

7.12. Lora Mae Bullard
born: 18 November 1887
died: 14 March 1963

7.13. Maude Elizabeth Bullard
born: 13 November 1889
died: 2 January 1961