When R. S. Fulton began his insurance career in the North Texas town of Van Alstyne, cotton farming and cattle ranching were Kings. The R. S. Fulton agency was established in 1890. Like many agents at the time, Fulton sold both insurance and real estate. Fulton's nephew, W. D. Benton, joined the business shortly after 1900. In addition to working at the agency, Benton was secretary for the Leader Publishing Company, which produced the local newspaper. He also served as secretary for the city of Van Alstyne. Benton and Fulton sold insurance and real estate together for the next forty years.
The war years were difficult ones for the agency. Fulton died in 1942, and Benton in 1945. Benton's daughter, Billie Benton Whitaker, ran the agency for seven months until the return of her brother Henry Benton, who was stationed in England with the Army Air Corp. Henry Benton compiled an impressive war record flying thirty missions over Germany in B-24s.
After returning from England, Henry Benton operated the business until his death in 1966. His wife Jane then took over, and their son Bill eventually joined the firm in 1978. Jane retired in 1979. In 1995, Bill Benton merged the business with a longtime friend, Roger Luttrell, of Howe, Texas.
Benton-Luttrell Realtors® is Coldwell Banker real estate agency and can represent you with all your real estate needs. So, when you need to buy or sell property, give us a call.
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