John Bullen Jr.

John Bullen V (May 16, 1803 – May 9, 1884), commonly known as , was an American merchant, farmer, pioneer of Wisconsin and Minnesota. He was the founder of Kenosha, Wisconsin, and the namesake of Bullen Middle School in Kenosha. Later in life, he moved to Minnesota and served in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Early life John Bullen was born in Clinton, Oneida County, New York, in 1803, and was raised there. As a young man he suffered a severe cold that developed into pneumonia, and was sent to Labrador to recuperate. As an adult, he resided in Hannibal, New York, and was appointed postmaster there.

Western Emigration Company In December 1834, he hosted a meeting of his family and friends to discuss emigrating to the western territories. In a subsequent meeting in February 1835 they formalized their plans and established the "Western Emigration Company" to facilitate their project.

In March 1835, a committee was sent west to explore land for possible settlement on the western shore of Lake Michigan. 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. In Minnesota, he was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 1869, serving in the 12th Minnesota Legislature. He also served on the Winona County board of county commissioners. He died in Elba in 1884.

John's sister, Caroline Bullen, taught school in Southport and married Joseph V. Quarles, Sr. Her son, Joseph V. Quarles, Jr., became a United States senator and United States district judge.