RICHARD FULKERSON, deceased. The subject of this sketch located in Santa Rosa when that now flourishing city was but a frontier village, having been christened only two years. If only for the part he took in laying the foundation of the present prosperity, and for the energetic effort displayed in the pushing forward the work of improvement and development, Mr. Fulkerson should have honorable mention in this historic work; but he is and always will be among the pioneers, and early and later settlers best remembered for his many manly qualities and kindly nature. Honorable in business, accommodating as a neighbor, kind and indulgent as a parent, his memory will ever be cherished by all who knew him well. Mr. Fulkerson was born of one of the pioneer Kentucky families, in Hardin County, that State, February 11, 1806. His father, Fulkird Fulkerson, of German extraction, was born in the State of Pennsylvania, and when eleven years of age was brought to Kentucky by his father, John Fulkerson, very soon after the close of the Revolution. The family found refuge from the Indians upon first reaching that territory in the stockade at Lexington. Fulkird Fulkerson, reaching manhood, married Sarah Davis, daughter of another pioneer family. Of her children, Richard Fulkerson was the eldest, and since his death Dr. T. S. Fulkerson, of Rincon Valley, is the only one now (1888) living. Richard Fulkerson was reared to a farm life, and had but limited opportunities for an education; but, possessed of a keen observation and retentive memory, he overcame the lack of youthful advantages. In the county of his birth, October 21, 1824, he married Miss Sally Shepherd Clawson, also a native of Kentucky, born July 10, 1810. She became the mother of nine children, five of whom were born in that State. After a short time spent in Tennessee, where two children were born that died young, Mr. Fulkerson and his family, early in the thirties', became pioneers in the wilds of Montgomery County, Indiana, where their daughter Phebe, now the wife of Jacob Harris, was born. Later they removed to Vigo County, that State. There their son John was born. In that then wild, rugged, heavily timbered country several years spent. In 1844 the family became pioneer settlers of Davis County, Iowa. That now wealthy county was then almost as nature had made it. Just ten years later, or in the spring of 1854, with his family and all his worldly possessions. Mr. Fulkerson started with ox teams for this sunny land, reaching Santa Rosa October 4. He made his home on ground now almost within the city limits. His capital was limited, but sufficient to enable him to purchase 300 acres of land, and thus lay the foundation of his future competence. His purchase adjoined the city on the north, and is now partially included in the city plat. He added to the original purchase and became the owner of a splendid tract of 600 acres. Of the children born in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson, four died in infancy in the East. Of the others we record that Ruth, the eldest, died the widow of Alexander Barnes, in Santa Rosa, in 1887. Phebe and her husband, Jacob Harris, reside upon a portion of the old homestead. Mrs. Mary Mize, a widow, also resides upon home property. John resides in the city of Santa Rosa, and Stephen T., upon a fine ranch in Rincon Valley. Full sixty years Mr. Fulkerson was a member of the ancient, honorable order of Free Masons. Fully ripe for the harvest, past four-score in years, he was gathered to the fathers, November 24, 1887. Tenderly he was buried, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust," with the beautiful and impressive ceremonies of the order so proud of his membership. The estimable wife who had shared with him the trials and hardships of pioneer life in Indiana and Iowa, before coming to Sonoma County, his loving companion of nearly three score years, preceded him to the grave, her death occurring March 18, 1883, at the age of seventy three years. The old family residence is now owned by Richard Barnes, son of Mrs. Ruth Barnes, and grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson.