Born in Bristol, Rhode Island on September 6, 1815, Bullock graduated from Brown University in 1834 and read law to enter the bar in 1836.

He was in private practice in Bristol from 1843 to 1849, serving as a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives from 1844 to 1846.

After briefly serving as a special commissioner to adjust accounts between Rhode Island and the Government of the United States, he served as a justice of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from September 7, 1862 until his resignation on March 1, 1864.

[1][2][3] On February 9, 1865, Bullock was nominated by President Abraham Lincoln to a seat on the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island vacated by Judge John Pitman.

Bullock was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 11, 1865, and received his commission the same day.