[p. 555] one of New Castle's prominent citizens, who has been identified with its business interests and who also, for the last twenty years has taken a very active part in politics and has served as justice of the peace, burgess and alderman, was born in March, 1837, at New Castle, and is a son of John C. Fulkerson.
The Fulkerson family was established here by the grandfather, James Fulkerson, who came to New Castle, with his three brothers, in 1800. John C. Fulkerson was born at New Castle. He learned the cabinetmaking trade and in the early days had almost entire control of this business, as he was considered an expert all through this section of country. He was a Whig in his earlier political life, and later became a Republican.
J. C. Fulkerson was left motherless when he was two years old, and he was reared by his paternal grandparents. He attended the early schools and readily recalls those who sat on the same benches with him, many of these having passed away. Early in his business life he was employed in a dry goods store at Youngstown, Ohio, for one year, when he entered the nail factory and worked in factories of this kind for ten years, in Youngstown, New Castle and Pittsburg. From that he went to the oil fields and spent five years mainly in the oil contracting business. In 1861, Mr. Fulkerson enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He remained in active service for nine months, and although on many occasions he had a close call, he escaped all the serious ills that pertain to a soldier's dangerous life. That he was an active soldier was shown by his promotion from the ranks to be second sergeant, and during much of his period of service he performed the duties of an orderly, taking the place of a sick officer.
When Mr. Fulkerson returned to peaceful pursuits, he re-entered the nail mill, and for two years worked in the rolling department, after which he operated an engine at Beaver Falls for over a year, and then went back to New Castle. He operated an engine for the Etna Furnace Company for a year, and then bought a tobacco business, which he conducted for twelve years. On September 1, 1884, Mr. Fulkerson embarked in a coal business, and continued in the same until 1903, when the Lawrence Ice Company bought him out. He remained with this company after disposing of his interests and has charge of their coal and ice trade, his long experience making him particularly valuable to this corporation.
On December 17, 1857, Mr. Fulkerson was married to Miss Marion A. Spence, and they had four children born to them, the two survivors being: Susanna M., who is the wife of S. P. Emery, a prominent attorney at New Castle; and Mary R., who resides at home. The family belong to the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Fulkerson has been an ardent Republican ever since the candidacy of John C. Fremont, for whom he cast his first vote, although a little under age, and has voted for every Republican candidate since. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and he belongs also to the Knights of Pythias and to the Protected Home Circle.
20th Century History of New Castle and Lawrence County Pennsylvania and Representative Citizens Hon. Aaron L. Hazen Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, Chicago, Ill., 1908
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Updated: 6 Nov 2001