[2] This ultimately proved a poor investment, because proceeds could only be returned to investors if the claimed land was later sold, which the settlers had no intention of doing.

The end result was that the settlement at Kenosha benefited the Bullens and their close friends at the expense of several hundred investors.

The committee initially attempted to establish a purchase at the mouth of the Root River—at the site of the present city of Racine, Wisconsin—but were unable to come to terms with the inhabitants of the area, led by Gilbert Knapp.

[2] The company chose to send another expedition under the sole authority of John Bullen, Jr., in June 1835—he was accompanied on this mission by his brother William.

The Bullens settled on a spot just south of the Root River at the mouth of the Pike Creek, and began claiming land.

His father, John Bullen III, had served in the Massachusetts militia in the American Revolutionary War and afterwards was involved as a captain in Shays' Rebellion.

Bullen and his company settled the area of Clinton, Oneida County, New York, as they fled the suppression of their rebellion.

[5] John's sister, Caroline Bullen, taught school in Southport and married Joseph V. Quarles, Sr.