Major William Hull was born in New Haven, Connecticut to a family that has been in America since 1634.   When William became of age he entered business with his father Elam Hull in the animal rendering business.  He married Anna Holt at age 27 and together they had nine children. In 1851 he and  Joel A. Sperry started a provisions business on Long Wharf.  When Sperry left for New York City in 1861 Hull continued the company as William Hull & Co.

Hull quit the provisions business in 1870 to partner with his oldest child, William Henry in the Wm. Hull & Son ale and porter brewery on Whiting Street.  Together they continued the business until 1878, when the Mr. Hull, now aged 64, retired.  William Henry continued the business, but kept the old firm name.

William Hull Sr. died on October 29th of 1896 at age 82.  The brewery he founded with his son continued on until National Prohibition shut its doors on January 16th, 1920.  Upon repeal the Hull family reopened a brewery across town at the old Fresenius Brewery.  A new firm, the Elm City Brewery, opened up in Hull's old plant. 

Hull's beer and ale was produced in New Haven all the way up to 1977.

William Henry Hull, The "Son" in W. Hull & Son, was born in New Haven, Connecticut.