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J. H. Fults, the able and highly esteemed chief of police of Wellsville, was born at O. K. Landing, Meigs County,
Ohio, Oct. 25, 1887, and is the son of John Hamilton and Sarah (Canter) Fults.
John Hamilton Fults, deceased, was a native of Meigs County, Ohio, and a son of Jacob Fults, one of the pioneer
business men and early hotel owners of Middleport, Ohio. In early life John Hamilton Fults engaged in general farming
and stock raising and later was a merchant in Jackson County, W. Va. He also owned boats on the Ohio River, which
were operated between Pittsburgh, Pa., and Point Pleasant, W. Va. Mr. Fults was totally blind for 37 years before
his death, which occurred in May, 1913. However, he was actively engaged in his business throughout this entire
period. His wife, a native of Jackson County, W. Va., died in 1908, and they are buried at Mt. Alta, W. Va. Mr.
Fults was a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. There were four children in the Fults family: Laura, married
Hiram Donahue, both deceased; William, lives at WellsvilIe, where he is employed by the Pennsylvania Railroad;
Nettie, married William Bennett, both deceased; and J. H., the subject of this sketch.
J. H. Fults received his education in the schools of Mt. Alta, and Parkersburg, W. Va. He began life as a merchant
at Mt. Alta, W. Va., in 1904. For several years he was associated in business with his brother at Schoolhouse,
W. Va., and later at Millwood, W. Va. In 1915 he began operating an amusement boat on the Ohio River, at a cost
of $34,000. It was among the most complete pleasure boats on the river at that time, and had a seating capacity
of 1200, and a 24-piece band. This boat, known as "Sunny South", was lost in 1918. The boat carried no
insurance and was a total loss. Mr. Fults then became interested in the towing of coal from Fairmount, W. Va.,
to Pittsburgh, and in 1919 secured a pilot and captain license. The following year he came to Columbiana County
and engaged in the restaurant business at Wellsville. Later he became a member of the local police force and in
1921 was appointed chief of police by Mayor George Ingraham. During the past two years of his administration, Mr.
Fults has apprehended over 1100 law violators, among them being Walter Wright, a murderer from Steubenville, Ohio,
who was captured by Mr. Fults at St. Clairsville, Ohio. In the accomplishment of this deed he received a reward
of $1500.
On Dec. 10, 1906, Mr. Fults was united in marriage with Miss Anna S. Kinzel, who was born in Mason County, W. Va.,
July 8, 1887, the daughter of Gotleib and Nancy (Yoager) Kinzel, residents of that county and the parents of the
following children: Lena, married Fred Workman, lives at Wellsville; Leonard, a World War veteran, lives at Wellsville;
Mildred, married Fred Beckwith, lives at Parkersburg, W. Va.; Mrs. Fults; Myrtle, married William Green, lives
in Detroit, Mich.; Alma, married Harry Leonard, lives in Detroit; and Waldo, lives at New Cumberland, W. Va. Mr.
and Mrs. Kinzel are residents of Chester, Pa., where he is extensively engaged in the milling business. He is a
Republican and a member of the Christian Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Fults have been born four children: John Clifford,
born at Mt. Alta, W. Va., Sept. 16, 1907; Buena Vista, born at Millwood, W. Va., Oct. 24, 1916; Darrell, born at
Parkersburg, W. Va., March 5, 1918; and Anna Pride, born at Wellsville, Ohio, Nov. 22, 1921.
Mr. Fults is a Democrat, a member of the Church of Christ, and is affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, Eagles,
and Loyal Order of Moose. He is highly esteemed throughout Columbiana County and has filled his position in a very
capable manner.
From:
History of Columbiana County, Ohio
By: Harold B. Barth
Historical Publishing Company
Topeka-Indianapolis 1926
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