- In 1643, while residing in Yarmouth, Tristram enrolled in a little army of which Miles Standish was 'Captain-General.' Then sometime prior to 1648 he moved to Barnstable. According to the Hull Family History, he 'evidently was bred to a sea-faring career, for he owned a ship named 'The Catch', was part owner of the bark 'Hopewell', and frequently made long sea voyages. Customs entries show that he was engaged to a considerable extent in trade with the West Indies. Capt. Hull when 'on shore' took a lively interest in local affairs affecting the wellbeing of Barnstable, was treated with special consideration by his fellow townsmen, and unhesitatingly performed the multifarious duties expected in those days of prominent and public spirited citizens. The records of Barnstable show that he frequently served on juries, was on of the town dignitaries appointed to wait upon the Assembly Committee concerning the town charter, took a leading part in the purchase of town lands from the Indians, served one year as constable, and during the last six years of his life was a leading member of the town board of selectmen. In the government's fanatical and inhuman persecution of the Quakers his sympathies were with the latter, and he boldly rendered them assistance and succor whenever and where ever occasion offered. For this he was subjected to much annoyance and heavy fines, but there is nothing to indicate that this made him change his course. In spite of the government's unjust and cruel attitude toward the Quakers, or rather we should doubtless say because of it, several of his children and many of their descendants publicly espoused the Quaker faith, and some of them became prominent leaders in the denomination. Capt. Hull died at Barnstable, leaving a large estate for one of his age and times.
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1624 - 1666 (42 years)