Nannie Peairs Fulton

A Longstanding Librarian —Nannie Peairs Fulton

Written by Erika Berrett

Early Life and Family Heritage

Nannie Peairs Fulton was born on April 20, 1867, in Keokuk, Iowa, into a family deeply rooted in American and Scottish history. Her father, William Fulton, and mother, Elizabeth Dalzell, both hailed from Pennsylvania, with rich familial ties dating back generations. Her great-great-grandfather, Abraham Fulton, emigrated from Scotland to America in 1772, and her great-grandfather, Robert Fulton, fought in the American Revolutionary War. Her grandfather, William Fulton, served in the War of 1812. On her mother’s side, her grandfather, William Dalzell, emigrated from Ireland in 1824, bringing with him a family heritage that claimed Scottish royalty. This deep connection to history and her Presbyterian upbringing shaped Nannie’s identity as a person of strong values and intellectual curiosity.

A Life Dedicated to Public Service

Fulton’s lifelong career as a librarian began in 1896, when she was appointed to the position of librarian at the newly formed Keokuk Public Library. Keokuk had voted to transition the library into a publicly funded institution, and in July 1894, the city officially took control of the library. Fulton began her work as one of the first librarians of the new public institution in 1897, just as the library was becoming accessible to the community. Her nearly 50-year career spanned from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, during which time she oversaw the growth and transformation of the library.

Throughout her tenure, Fulton became a familiar and beloved figure within the Keokuk community. Known for her "slight" stature and "quiet voice," she greeted library patrons with a gentle smile, earning the respect and admiration of those who frequented the library. Her dedicated service extended beyond the mere operation of a library; she fostered a love for reading, education, and learning within the town. She also worked closely with Miss Lena Utoka Haskin, another long-serving librarian, and the two became emblematic figures in Keokuk’s cultural and intellectual life.

A Legacy of Quiet Influence

Nannie Peairs Fulton’s impact on her community extended far beyond her official duties as a librarian. Her commitment to education and the accessibility of knowledge helped shape Keokuk into a town that valued learning and intellectual pursuits. While she never married and had no children, Fulton’s influence was felt through the countless lives she touched over her decades of service.

Fulton’s personal life was deeply connected to her family and her faith. She lived with her parents at their home on Timea Street and remained an active member of the Presbyterian Church until her death in 1948. Her life’s work left an indelible mark on Keokuk, a town where education and community were valued, in large part thanks to her quiet leadership and unwavering dedication to her role as librarian.

Remembering Nannie Peairs Fulton

Nannie Peairs Fulton’s nearly half-century of service at the Keokuk Public Library solidified her as a cornerstone of the community. She passed away in 1948, leaving behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, public service, and quiet strength. Her work as a librarian was instrumental in shaping the educational landscape of Keokuk, making her an influential figure in the town’s history.

Fulton’s story is one of dedication to community and family, and her contributions continue to resonate with those who appreciate the value of public service and the power of knowledge. She is interred at Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk, Iowa, a resting place for many of the town’s most influential figures.

Sources:

1. Raymond Garrison, Goodbye My Keokuk Lady

2. Find a Grave records for Nannie Peairs Fulton

3. Historical records of the Keokuk Public Library