The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-05-17
ALPHEUS BULL DEAD.
He Is Drowned in the Surf Near
Fort Point.
His Wife Leaves Him for a While and Re.
turns to Find Herself a Widow-Jhs
Body Recovsred-His Life.

Alpheus Bull, Vlce-PresIdent of the Fireman's
Fund Insurance Company was accidentally
drowned at 10 o'clock yesterday morning by
falling of the breakwater near Fort Point into
lie turbulent surf. about ten feet below.
1t is believed that as he stood close to the
brink lie was taken with faintng spell, and be-
coming dizzy fell into the breakers. His wife
and two young daughters were only short dis
lance away at the time OF his sudden death.
The body was recovered from the bay about an
hour afterward.
AS was his custom, Mr.. Bull, with his wife and
two daughters, left Ills residence at the north
west corner Of Francisco and Leayenworth
streets before o'clock for drive through the
Preside Reservation and around the fort. The
party aighted at Fort Point and stood upon the
sea- wall enjoying the morning breeze, the
scenery and the grandeur OF The great seas
numbering In upon the rocks before them. Mr.
Bull asked his Wife 10 walk ahead with the
children and he would follow Instantly. She did
as requested and passed from his right around
the west end OF The fort. He was seen standing
close to the breakwaIer's edge as his wife turned
the corner. After waiting for some time, Mrs
Bull grew anxious al his delay. She returned
hurriedly in her alarm, but could find no trace OF
him where he had been lew minutes before.
HIS WIDOWS ANGUISH.
Meanwhile two men and a woman, who were
about hundred yards back, saw him struggling
in the snrf de was carried by the breakers
fifteen or twenty feet out by this time. The cry
was raised, and soon there were probably
dozen people around the spot where Mr.. Bull
had been standing. His body had disappeared.
When Mrs. Bull saw the commotien she d.
qined The truth aud rushed forward toward the
sea. Two men held her back and offered her
yympatby. but the afflicted lady would not be
eomlorIed. she was nearly frantic with grief,
and her young children rayed and cried help
lessly for their father.
Suddenly some shouted that the body of
Mr. Bull was tossing about between the sea- wall
and the rocks. bis poor widow looked upon the
aW ful sight aud fell IN a swOon. She recovered
consciousness IN a little time and was driven
back TO the city. Before leaving tue place, how
ever. she saw Two men making gallant efforts TO
recover the remains. A ladder and ropes were
secured, and after long effort, not unattended
with danger, the body Of the dead man was
brought forth from the sea and feyerentiy laid
upon the green grass 10 await Its removal 10 The
MoIgue. II was only slightly bruised.
The news of the lameDtable accident was tele-
phoned to Alpheus Bull Jr and David J. Staples,
President OF the Firemals Fund Insurance Com.
pany, and they took immediate steps TO have the
body removed TO an undertakerS rooms. They
also interviewed the Coroner.
:, The men who recovered the body were James
Rankin, keeper, and Thomas j. Brown, assistant
keeper OF the Fort Point Lighthouse.
A SUCCESSFUL CAREER.
Mr. Bull was IA years OF age and a native of
New York. Prior to his arrival In California in
1S49 he was a minister Of the Gospel Shortly
after his arrival here he moved 10 Red Bluff and
Shasta where lie had a successful experience,
and was soon one Of the most prominent, wealthy
and respected merchants of Northern California.
He was then member OF the firm OF Bull. Baker
& Co., but having acquired fortune moved to
san franctseo- and became connected with the
FiremaH's Fund Company as its Vice President.
THIS was twenty-five years ago, but since then
he has also been prominently Identified with
other insurance corporations and mining opera
tions III this city. He President OF the Gould
and Curry and many other mining companies.
During these years he amassed a million or
more dollars. Besides his home al Leavenworth
and Francisco streets, where he has lived
great many years, Mr.. Bull was possessed of
considerable other real estate in this city. He
was also interested IN large number OF CORPORA
lions and owned majority OF the stock of the
Gold and Stock Telegraph Company. He was
also the owner OF one-thIld Interest in The Cali
fornia Market.
He was considered a remarkably shrewd man,
careful and polite in business matters and OF a
retiring disposition.
Mr.. Bull twice married. Two sons Al
pheus JT. aud Henry NJ, who are still living, were
tie result OF the FIRST marriage and one son and
four daughters of the second. He leaves them
his large fortune.