Goodspeed Biography of Creed M. Fulton

Creed M. Fulton, A. B., president of the Dayton Masonic College, Dayton, Tenn., was born at Summerfield, Grayson Co., Va., February 24, 1862.  He is of an ancestral line no less distinguished for its intellectual acumen than exceptional merits. His father, Capt. Samuel M. Fulton, the youngest of a family of twelve children, acquired at his own expense a substantial business education, and is notorious in his State (Virginia) for his enthusiasm in public affairs and for his political wisdom and ability.  Miss Mary C. Ried, of Campbell County, Va., became his wife about 1854.  At the close of the late civil war he was high sheriff of his county, and continued in said office for ten consecutive years, when against the voice and free-will of his people, he resigned.  In 1877 he was elected to the State Legislature, which position he held to the satisfaction of his constituents.  This office he held for two years, and became thoroughly established throughout his State as one of the leaders of the Re-adjusting Party.  In 1880 he was strongly urged by the people of his senatorial district for the Senate, but, being in very poor health for the first time in his life, was forced to refuse.  In 1881 his congressional district called for him to bear their standard, but again illness prohibited it.  He is a Democrat in politics, and was born of a family noted for their piety, all being members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. His eldest brother, Creed, was a man of devout character, and inestimable worth as a Christian minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church South.  He was endowed with extraordinary powers of intellect, and wherever he went, Creed Fulton was ever afterward known. His course was per aspera ad astra.  As an orator no man of his church stood forth his peer.  In the approach of the storms of his age, he was always to be found above the clouds.  He soared among the eagles, and dwelt in higher climes.  At Madisonville, Monroe County, he formed an academy, and under the influence of one of his gifted educational speeches, Hiwassee College was erected.  He continued his labors among the mountains of southwest Virginia, with that peculiarity of character which has ever made him magnetic.  He laid the corner-stone for Emory and Henry College, and later died in his mountain home.  The remainder of the family, while they have not figured so conspicuously in church and State affairs, are enjoying the abundance of successfully spent lives.  They are of Irish, Scotch and French lineage.  Our subject is a young man of unquestionable morals, undoubted integrity and unrelenting energy.  He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, and a Democrat in politics. He was educated at Hiwassee College, Monroe County, Tenn., graduating in May 1885.  In June of the following month he was elected to the position that he now holds.  Under his able management the institution has gained great prominence.  He was first chosen for one year, but before the year expired he was re-employed for a term of four years.  On the 17th June 1886, Miss Emma V., daughter of Rev. Dr. John and Lucretia Walsh, became his wife.  Her father was a man of great literary attainments.  He was educated at Dickenson College, Carlisle, Penn., studied theology and dentistry, and ranks among the most successful.  As a minister he has few equals and fewer superiors.  He is a Republican, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has held the office of United States collector of the Ninth District for six years.  Suffering severely from bronchial affection he has been forced to confine himself to a quiet life.  He married Miss Lucretia Grittinger, daughter of Adam and Eliza Grittinger, who were of German descent, and members of the Lutheran Church.  To our subject  and wife was born April 26, 1887, one son, who bears the given name of his father and the maiden name of his mother, Creed Walsh.  Mr. Fulton was educated at Christiansburg, Va., in the Montgomery Female College.

Published by The Goodspeed Publishing Co 1887