John L. Bullette was born April 10, 1852, in Wyandotte County, Kansas, third son of George Bullette and Eliza Connor. His father was of French descent and his mother of Irish descent, both possessing Indian blood. His grandparents on both sides intermarried into the Delaware tribe. In 1859 John L. attended the Baptist Mission School in Wyandotte County, where he remained until 1861, when the war broke out, and he removed with his people to the Cherokee Nation. This move was agreeable to a contract made between both tribes, wherein the Delawares purchased a right and title to the lands and funds of the Cherokees, placing themselves on an equal footing with the latter. John L. commenced farming on a small scale, and for about four years employed his time clerking at various points, until 1875, when he accepted a permanent position with J. H. Bartles, a general merchant of Bartlesville, where he continued for four years as chief clerk in the establishment. After parting on amicable terms with his employer, John L. commenced buying and shipping cattle on a small scale, and followed the business until 1880, when he engaged in the mercantile line on his own responsibility at Claremore. In the same year he married Miss Nellie Conkle, daughter of Captain Conkle, of steamboat fame. In 1881 he was nominated and elected clerk of Coowescowee district for two years, and became deputy clerk in 1883 under his successor. In 1885 he sold out his interest in merchandise, and accepted the position of executive secretary under Chief Mayes, which office he holds at the present date (November, 1891). Mr. Bullette has three children, Mabel Zoe, Grover George and Mary A. He is about five feet eight inches in height, and weighs 146 pounds. He is a man of gentlemanly appearance and address, pleasant and affable in manner, and well educated, possessing good business qualities and plenty of live business ambition. He is owner of a fine farm of 350 acres of well improved land, and a residence at Tahlequah, where he now resides. He also owns town property at Claremore, where he expects to make his future home.
