James Pressley Fulton Papers, 1842 - 1889

Summary

Creator:
Historic Geneva
Abstract:
James P Fulton joined the NYV 126th in 1862 and fought in several battles during the Civil War. He served as Postmaster of Stanley, NY for many years.
Extent:
1 Box
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

The focus of this collection is on the letters that James P wrote during his time serving in the Civil War. Some genealogical materials pre-date 1861 and scant information regarding James P. Fulton’s life after the war extends to his death in 1919. This includes a train schedule depicting the numerous routes, times, and prices available to late 19th and early 20th century travelers in Western New York.

James P wrote a diary while serving which was stolen by a Rebel as he lay wounded on the field during the Battle of the Wilderness. He reconstructed this diary in the notebook, Reminiscences, included in this collection which details his life as a soldier, names of those wounded and killed (especially in the 126th Regiment NYV), time in Rebel prisons and as a paroled prisoner, and those in charge of leading the war among other topics.

The rest of the collection include household account books, some of which were kept by James S Fulton, land records, and post-war military records for James P.

Biographical / historical:

James Sidney Fulton married Margaret Ann. They owned a farm in Stanley Corners during the 19th century. They had three children, John M, James P, and Anna Fulton. Many of the letters written by James P in this collection were mailed to these family members.

James Pressley Fulton, (aka Press or Pressley; JPF) was born August 17, 1843 in Seneca, Ontario County. After graduating from Cooperstown High School, he attended Binghamton Commercial College. He enlisted around age 17 in the New York 126th Company D in July 1862 at Camp Swift in Geneva, NY. After several well-known battles he was seriously injured, captured and eventually discharged in 1865.

James married Sarah M. Frost on May 27, 1874 and they had one daughter Maud. He was Postmaster of Stanley, NY for many years and later mail clerk on the Northern Central railroad. He died February 19, 1919.

Acquisition information:
The likely donor of this collection was Helen Thompson Cammett, the granddaughter of James Presley Fulton. Instructions, possibly by Helen Thompson Cammett, that accompanied these papers state that they be given to the Geneva Historical Society.
Note:

Content Warning: Letters written by James P Fulton use terms referring to people of color that will be offensive to some readers. Each letter is marked with a content warning in this finding aid. There are also graphic descriptions of the battlefield in addition to James’ experience being wounded and seeing the amputations in the field hospitals.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access to the original correspondence is limited due to available photocopies and the fragility of the original paper.

Location of this collection:
Geneva History Museum
543 South Main Street
Geneva, NY 14456, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
315-789-5151
archivist@historicgeneva.org