According to census records, William James Bullington was born in Tennessee, his parents, South Carolina.

He was the husband of Sarah Ann Boone, daughter of Ann Hardy and Allen Boone of Athens Tennessee. They married January 13, 1858 in McMinn County where they initially established their home and had one child, Theodosia, before locating in Polk County, Missouri.

1860 Census - Looney, Polk, MO
Post Office: Brighton

William J Bullington 23 - farm laborer
Sarah Bullington 20
Theodocia Bullington 2 - b. TN

In 1861, the Civil War erupted. Missouri's allegiance was torn. Many citizens of the state wanted to side with the North, while others were partial to the cause in South. With the split, Missouri supplied troops to both the Union and Confederate armies through the entirety of the war.

July 1, 1863, William registered for the Civil War draft. His residence at that time was listed as Jackson, Missouri. The side and whether or not he actually served is unknown. However, they did have a three year gap in children from 1863 to 1866.

The war ended in 1865. By 1870, the family relocated from Missouri to return to Tennessee.

1870 Census - District 6, McMinn, TN
Post Office: Athens

W J Bullington 33 - farmer
Sarah Bullington 30
Theodosia Bullington 11
Mary Bullington 9
John Bullington 7
Jesse Bullington 4
Dayton Bullington 6/12

At the 1880 census, William and his family had removed from Tennessee to Sebastian County, Arkansas, near Jenny Lind.

1880 Census - Marion, Sebastian, AR

William J. Bullington 43 - b. TN farmer
Sarah A. Bullington 37 - b. TN
Mary A. Bullington 18 - b. MO
John C. Bullington 15 - b. MO laborer
Jesse A. Bullington 13 - b. MO laborer
Daton Bullington 11 - b.TN laborer
Grace T. Bullington 4 - b. TN
Baxter L. Bullington 2 - b. TN

In all, eleven children were born to William and Sarah: Theodesia E., Mary A., John Scruggs, John C., Jesse Allen, A.C. Dayton, Alice Sarah, Grace Truman, Baxter Lee, Walter R., and Emma Cyless Bullington.

William was a man of strong faith. His Bible includes the following dedicatory passage:

This Book contains the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth and is a light and a lamp to the feet of all who read and practice its precepts. W J Bullington

This Oct the 20, 1894

William passed in 1896. His wife died in 1898. They are buried at Steep Hill Cemetery in Sebastian County, Arkansas.

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Mr. W. J. Bullington, of Enterprise, Arkansas, died December 27, 1896. He was 60 years old.
Mr. Bullington was buried on 28 Dec 1896.
Mr. T. West paid for the funeral.
Cost of funeral: $15.00.
COD: not listed.

Source: Birnie Brothers Funeral Record, Book #2, Fort Smith, Sebastian, Arkansas, page #2070, 1896.

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