Richard S. Fulton's Web Site

The Children of William and Elizabeth Jenkinson Fulton

John Robert Fulton

Born April 30, 1871 Died March 18, 1933

John Robert Fulton was born in Waukegan on April 30, 1871. He was baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan on July 30, 1871 with his full name listed as John Robertson Fulton. John R. Fulton was a prominent business leader in Waukegan.

From a biography of John R. Fulton of Waukegan in a History of Illinois:
“He attended the public schools and was graduated from Waukegan High School with the class of 1890. … In an atmosphere of righteous homelife he reached the age of 19 years and was given a place as messenger for the First National Bank of Waukegan. During the 10 years he remained with that institution, he was promoted at different times until he became head bookkeeper.
            In 1900 upon the organization of People’s State Bank of Waukegan, he became its cashier. As such he served for 18 years – years that brought important development to the city wherein he had always lived. It was then that the loyalty to his townsmen, and the fine qualities of his character were enjoyed and appreciated by those with whom he came in contact. In addition to proving himself to be a safe financial adviser to the patrons of the bank, he was not found wanting when called upon to co-operate with others in promotion and plans of movements for civic betterment.
            The personnel and ownership of the People’s State bank having greatly changed in 1918, he decided to make a change. It was then he entered the real estate brokerage business. His experience as a financier qualified him to give expert service as a realtor. Those who had relied upon his judgment in the matter of investments, were willing to accept his advise in the matter of purchasing or disposing of property holdings. Consequently, without the blare of trumpets, for many years he, as selling agent, or purchaser, became a leading figure in the transfer of city and rural property.”

In politics John R. Fulton was a republican. He was an active member of the Masons, Eastern Star, Kiwanis, and Royal Arcanum. He was the treasurer of Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan and a vestryman there for 30 years. He was President of the Waukegan-N. Chicago Chamber of Commerce and President of the Waukegan-N. Chicago Real Estate Board.

John R. married Addie Pollock on Oct. 14, 1899 in Lake County, Ill. Addie Belle Pollock was baptized at Christ Church as an adult on Oct. 28, 1900, the same day her son James William Fulton was baptized. John R. Fulton died from complications of uraemic poisoning in Waukegan on March 18, 1933. Addie continued to reside at their home at 309 N. West St. in Waukegan. John R. and Addie Pollock Fulton had two children, James William and Donald Leroy Fulton.
            (1) James William Fulton, born in Waukegan on August 9, 1900 and baptized at Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan on Oct. 28, 1900. James became a lawyer and worked with his Father in the real estate business. James married Bessie Hoak and had one daughter, Elizabeth (Betty) who married Charles Downs. They had three sons, Bradford Fulton, James Edward, and John Walter Downs. Betty and Charles Downs live in Pana, Illinois. James William Fulton died on June 30, 1969 in Waukegan. He was a lifelong member of Christ Episcopal Church in Waukegan and is buried in Milburn Cemetery. Bessie survived her husband James..
            (2) Donald Leroy Fulton, born in Waukegan on Oct. 21, 1906 and baptized at Christ Church in Waukegan on Dec. 17, 1907. Donald was single and living at home in the 1930 census. He died in Florida in April 1980. Donald was married and had no children.

Below are photos of John R and Addie Pollock Fulton's two children, James William and Donald Leroy Fulton. The photo to the left is James William Fulton as a baby. The photo to the right is of Donald Leroy Fulton. Both brothers are in the third photo.

Below are the 1918 and 1924 Waukegan High School entries and photos for James and Donald Fulton respectively: