John Fulton (1837-1932) was born a slave at the Hermitage, Andrew Jackson's estate, and died in Nashville, Tenn. In 1885 he came to Vanderbilt University to serve the IV Club, composed of four bachelor professors who kept house together in Wesley Hall--William L. Dudley, Austin H. Merrill, J. T. McGill and W. T. Magruder. James H. Kirkland, destined to become chancellor, later joined the group. As members of the group married and left, there remained only William L. Dudley, and Fulton became his private servant. He resided in a small room in the basement of Wesley Hall, where he entertained the students by playing his guitar, singing ancient ballads, and reading Uncle Remus stories, which is how he acquired his nickname. Fulton collected photographs from the students and literally papered all four walls with the photographs; those that would not fit on the walls were stored in trunks. In 1914, after Dudley died, he became the caretaker for Mrs. R.F. Jackson. His duties kept him at her residence during the day, but at night he returned to his room in Wesley Hall, until there was a fire there in February 1932. Fulton died shortly after in April 1932.
From the description of John Fulton "Uncle Remus" Collection, 1878-1928. (Vanderbilt University Library). WorldCat record id: 261610956
