David C. Fulton
David Clements Fulton | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Bethel, New York, U.S. |
| Died | 30 March 1899 (aged 61) |
| Occupation(s) | Financier, politician, military officer |
| Years active | 1862–1899 |
| Known for | 16th mayor of Hudson, Wisconsin; member of Wisconsin State Assembly; United States marshal for Western District of Wisconsin; Union Army officer in the Civil War |
David Clements Fulton (February 1, 1838 – March 30, 1899) was a prominent American financier and public official. He held the position of the 16th mayor of Hudson, Wisconsin, served as a representative for St. Croix County in the Wisconsin State Assembly during the 1873 legislative session, and was appointed United States marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin under President Grover Cleveland. Additionally, he was an officer in the Union Army throughout the American Civil War.
Background
Fulton was born in Bethel, New York as the second son of James M. Fulton. After completing his formal education, he relocated with his family to Hudson in 1854, where his father ran a substantial mercantile enterprise. Upon James M. Fulton’s passing in 1858, David and his brother Marcus, who later became a member of the Wisconsin State Senate, inherited this business. In the Wisconsin Blue Book, David described his occupation as being involved in general commerce and real estate ventures.
Civil War
In July 1862, Fulton assembled a volunteer company from St. Croix County for service in the Union Army and was commissioned as captain of Company D within the 30th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment. He was stationed at multiple locations across Wisconsin and Dakota Territory until October 1864, when he received a promotion to major in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery Regiment. He continued his military service in Virginia until the conclusion of the Civil War and was honorably discharged in June 1865.
Elected office
Throughout his career, Fulton occupied several municipal positions in Hudson such as mayor, county supervisor, school board member, and alderman. In 1872, running as a Liberal Republican, he was elected to represent St. Croix County in the Wisconsin State Assembly by securing 1,432 votes compared to 1,132 for the regular Republican contender. During his tenure, he contributed to committees focused on militia affairs and engrossed bills. He opted not to run for re-election in 1874 and was succeeded by Republican Harvey Clapp.
Later life
After completing his term in the legislature, Fulton took charge of the National Homes for Disabled Soldiers for six years and later served as U.S. Marshal for Western Wisconsin during President Cleveland’s initial administration. Within banking, he progressed from Cashier to President at the First National Bank of Hudson and chaired the Board of Trustees for the St. Croix County Asylum until his passing.
The Fulton brothers jointly managed their inherited family enterprise until Marcus’s death in 1892; thereafter, David dedicated himself to personal pursuits. He passed away on March 30, 1899, while visiting his son Marcus in Chicago.