Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 520; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Thomas K. Fulton is the owner and occupant of a well-developed
and well-regulated farm on section 32, Orion Township. The estate
consists of one hundred and thirty-two fertile aces upon which the
improvements have been made which stamp it as the home of a man of
enterprise, good judgment and a lover of his home. In early
manhood he gave the strength of his right arm to his country’s cause,
winning the confidence of his superior officers I his patriotism and
devotion. By all who love their country he is honored for his
soldier’s life, while his good citizenship and manly conduct since the
war was over have gained him friends in the home which he had made.
The gentleman of whom we write is the fifth in a family of nine
children, the other members being Samuel, Joseph R., William, Mary E.,
John, Robert D., Isabella C. and James C. Their parents were John
and Hannah (McMillan) Fulton. Our subject was born in Washington
County, Pa., May 8, 1843, and when but eighteen years old entered the
Union Army. On September 24, 1861, his name was attached to the
muster roll of Company A, Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Infantry, under
Col. J. B. Howell.
The regiment was attached to the First Division, Tenth Army
Corps, until the spring of 1863, taking part in the Peninsular campaign
in 1862 from Williamsburg to Fair Oaks, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill
and Harrison’s Landing. It was then attached to the Eighteenth
Army Corps and sent to take part in the siege of Fts. Wagner, Sumter
and Gregg, and in 1864 to the siege of Petersburg. Mr. Fulton
participated in twenty-eight battles, being one of the fortunate number
who passed through the trying scenes unscathed. He was discharged
at Pittsburg, Pa., after having served three years and two months.
After the war Mr. Fulton came to the Prairie State, locating in
this county where he has built up his reputation as a worthy farmer and
citizen. He is a prominent Republican, being in full accord with
the policies and principles of his party and exerting all his influence
for their success. On October 18, 1865, he was united in marriage
with Miss Cyrena Swan, daughter of William and Jane (Allison) Swan,
natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively. Mrs. Fulton has
looked well to the way of her household since the day she became his
bride. The union has been blessed by the birth of two children –
Frank R., born February 18, 1869, and now living in Peoria, having
married Heiress Baker, and Myrtle B., born January 28, 1872, who is
still with her parents.
In connection with this sketch the reader will notice a view of the farm of Mr. Fulton, with its principal buildings.
