Ault Family Genealogy & History

Doug Ault, born on March 9, 1950, in Beaumont, Texas, was an American professional baseball player known for his role as a first baseman and designated hitter. He made history by hitting the first two home runs for the Toronto Blue Jays during their inaugural Major League Baseball game on April 7, 1977. Ault, who also played for the Texas Rangers, had a promising start but faced challenges in maintaining his early success. He managed the Syracuse Chiefs to a pennant in 1985 and retired from baseball in 1994. Ault's career highlights include being a standout at Texas Tech and leading the league in home runs during his early professional years.

Chris Ault, born November 8, 1946, is a renowned figure in American football, celebrated for his transformative coaching career at the University of Nevada, Reno. Over 28 seasons, he led the Nevada Wolf Pack to a remarkable 234–108–1 record, elevating the team from NCAA Division II to Division I-A. Ault is credited with inventing the "Pistol Offense," influencing teams nationwide, including the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002, Ault also served as Nevada's athletic director and consulted for the Kansas City Chiefs. His international impact includes coaching in the Italian Football League, where he won an Italian Bowl Championship with Rhinos Milano.

Chris Ault is married to Kathy Ault and has three children: Lisa, Chris Jr., and Amy. His family extends into the sports world, with his daughter Lisa married to baseball coach John Savage, and his grandson Jack working on the Jim Rome radio show.

George Copeland Ault (1891-1948) was an influential American painter associated with the Precisionist movement, known for his realist works and mastery of light. His paintings, exhibited in prestigious venues like the Whitney Museum of American Art, often depicted architecture and urban landscapes with a focus on geometric patterns and nighttime scenes. Despite being influenced by Cubism and Surrealism, Ault maintained a unique style, capturing the solitude and strangeness of night. His works, like "Bright Light at Russell's Corners," highlight the poetry of darkness. In 2011, the Smithsonian American Art Museum honored his legacy with a major exhibition.

George Ault was born into a wealthy family in Cleveland, Ohio, and spent his formative years in London, England, where he studied art. His family faced significant hardships, including the death of his mother in a mental institution and the suicide of his three brothers, which deeply affected Ault's personal life and career. His family's decline, particularly after the 1929 stock market crash, marked his journey and artistic expression.

William Bowen Ault was a distinguished commander in the United States Navy during World War II, renowned for his strategic prowess and leadership. He played a critical role in planning and executing attacks on Japanese shipping in New Guinea and led successful bombing missions during the Battle of the Coral Sea, including the sinking of the Japanese carrier Shōhō. Ault's valor and contributions earned him posthumous recognition with the Navy Cross, marking him as a key figure in naval aviation history. His career highlights include serving as the air group commander of the USS Lexington and his involvement in pivotal battles that delayed Japanese advances in the Pacific.