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Descendants of Leroy Fuller


contributed by Burt Fuller
burtf@msn.com

Generation No. 1

 

1.  LEROY8 FULLER  (SAMUEL SMITH7, JOHN6, SIMEON5, NATHANIEL4, BENJAMIN3, BENJAMIN2, ROBERT1) was born June 10, 1834 in Trumbull Co., Ohio1, and died December 20, 1916 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa2.  He married ELIZABETH ALICE MATHANY April 15, 1858 in Trumbull Co., Ohio, daughter of JOHN MAHANY and SARAH WOOD.  She was born October 28, 1835 in Liberty Twp., Trumbull Co., Ohio3, and died October 29, 1905 in Mt. Ayr, Iowa3.

 

Notes for LEROY FULLER:

There may be some doubt about the true lineage of Leroy due to various reasons.  We do know that Leroy's death certificate does list Samuel Fuller as his father.  We also know that Samuel Fuller adopted his nephew Hiram A. Fuller.  Family lore tells that Leroy may have been adopted and that his true surname is "Rice" however nothing can be found to back this up.  An old photo of them from Trumbull County, Ohio was taken at "Rice Photographers" so perhaps the confusion is here?  The Hiram Fuller connection .... "The History of Medina County, Ohio" (1881) mentions a Hiram A. Fuller being the son of Augustus Fuller and Eunice Perkins.  The census shows Leroy and Hiram together in Samuel Fuller's household but I strongly believe they are not brothers.  Guardianship records of Wayne County, Ohio show Samuel was appointed guardian when Augustus died in 1843.  It also shows Hiram had two sisters, Amelia and Maria.  No mention of Leroy is found in these records and they appear complete.  Hiram's obituary fails to mention Leroy if he was in fact a brother.   Leroy's granddaughter Ola, recalled memories of Leroy sitting in a rocker saying, "I'm just a poor little waif."  The will of Samuel Fuller not once mentions Leroy and only once mentions Hiram as a note holder.  We do know that bad blood existed between Samuel and Leroy for some reason.  Letters which I've reviewed from Emily Wilson and Mary Jane Ashley (Leroy's sisters) to Leroy even tell they never informed him about Samuel's death.  It went on to say Leroy had requested "that if father did not live you did not wish to have us send you a letter as it would be of no satisfaction to see him after he was gone...."  These letters are addressed to "Brother."  Another letter mentions childhood memories of going to Sunday school with Leroy, indicating he was around as a small child.  In conclusion, we'll never know for sure short of a DNA test on Samuel Fuller but I believe he was Samuel's true son and not adopted.  Leroy was described by his son Burton as "a farmer, a good Christian, conservative and not one to take chances.  He loved to associate with the members of the G.A.R. and recall the events of the war." 

 

OBITUARY HIGHLIGHTS:  Funeral services for Leroy Fuller, who passed away at the home of his son, Burton L. Fuller, in Wichita, Kan., at 3 a.m. Wednesday, December 20, were held in Mount Ayr Friday afternoon, December 22.  The service was simple and impressive, all of Mr. Fuller's five sons with their wives and a large number of intimate friends of the family being in attendance.  The body was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery beside his life companion who passed away in 1905.  Leroy Fuller was born June 10th, 1834, in Trumbull county, Ohio, and died at Wichita, Kansas, the 20th day of December 1916, and was 82 years, six months and ten days old at the time of death.  In early manhood he worked at the trade of a carpenter and engaged in farming.  He enlisted in Company C, 125th Ohio Vol. Infantry and served with that regiment during the entire war.  He married on April 15, 1858, to Elizabeth A. Mathany, who died October 29, 1905.  Five sons were born to this reunion - Frank F., Burton D., Ernest P., Ira M., and Homer A. Fuller, all of whom survive him.  He lived in Trumbull county, Ohio, until the year 1884 when he moved to Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

 

More About LEROY FULLER:

Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery, Mt. Ayr, Iowa

Census: 1860 Trumbull Co., Ohio, p. 172, Bristol Twp.; 1870 Trumbull Co., Ohio, Warren Twp., p. 385; 1880 Trumbull Co., Ohio, Warren Twp., p. 358C; 1900 Ringgold Co., IA. / Mt. Ayr Twp., ED 110, Sheet 16

Military service: September 29, 1862, CIVIL WAR VETERAN: 125th Ohio Vol. Infantry, Co. "C", Mustered out October 07, 1865 at Camp Chase, Ohio.  Photo of Co. "C" on file at the US Army Military History Institute in Carlisle, PA

 

Notes for ELIZABETH ALICE MATHANY:

Elizabeth was described by her son Burton as: "Mother came from a Irish race of people, therefore was quick witted and of a nervous disposition, high strung, always up and coming.  She loved to argue upon most any subject, taking the side opposite to your views, right or wrong just for the sake of an argument and she generally won."  It appears she changed her maiden name from "Mahany" to "Mathany.  Years later all of the Mahany Brothers were known using the name "MATHANY." 

 

OBITUARY HIGHLIGHTS:  Mrs. Leroy Fuller passed away at her home in Mt. Ayr, on Sunday, October 29, 1905., after a long and lingering sickness.  For months she had been patiently waiting for her change to come and no doubt but that she welcomed the death messenger.  She was ready and ripe for the transition to the city of God.  Mrs. Fuller's maiden name was Elizabeth Alice Mathany.  She was born in Liberty Twp., Trumbull county, Ohio, and reached the good old age of seventy years and one day.  She had passed the allotted "three score years and ten" and used one day of "borrowed time."  Mrs. Fuller was a remarkable woman.  When she was but thirteen years of age her mother died leaving in the home her father and five brothers.  With the spirit of a true heroine, she at once took charge of the home and became a mother to her brothers until they were grown to manhood.  She was united in marriage to Leroy Fuller on April 15, 1858, and lived at Bristol, Ohio until the year 1866, when she moved to Warren, Ohio, and lived at that place until 1884, when they moved to their Mt. Ayr home.  She was an invalid for twelve years and suffered greatly from some form of rheumatism.  In her last years she was "shut in" by afflictions.  Survived by five sons..... 

 

More About ELIZABETH ALICE MATHANY:

Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery

       

Children of LEROY FULLER and ELIZABETH MATHANY are:

                   i.    FRANK FRANCIS9 FULLER, b. January 07, 1859, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio; d. January 04, 1933, Mt. Ayr, Iowa; m. HATTIE E. ASHLEY, April 03, 1883, Medina, Ohio; b. April 1860, Ohio; d. 1946, Mt. Ayr, Iowa.

 

Notes for FRANK FRANCIS FULLER:

It appears Frank married his first cousin Ashley, daughter of his aunt Mary Jane Ashley.  OBITUARY:  (Mt. Ayr Record-News, Jan. 12, 1933)  ...Mr. Fuller is survived by his wife and son, Capt. Francis M. Fuller of Mount Ayr, and four brothers, B.L. Fuller of Orlando, Fla., E.P. and I.M. Fuller of Iola, Kan., and District Judge Homer A. Fuller of Mount Ayr.  Following the servies at the church the funeral cortege passed to Rose Hill cemetery where the body was laid to rest.

 

More About FRANK FRANCIS FULLER:

Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery, Mt. Ayr, Iowa

Census: 1900 Ringgold Co., IA., Mt. Ayr Twp., ED 110, Sheet 1; 1920 Ringgold Co., Mt. Ayr, ED 130, Sheet 16

Occupation: Attorney

 

                  ii.    BURTON LEROY FULLER, b. July 06, 1862, Trumbull Co., Ohio4; d. January 15, 1953, Hot Springs, Arkansas5; m. (1) CORA HEASTON, 1890, Bethany, Missouri; m. (2) RUTH ELIZABETH CALKINS, October 10, 1927, Bryan, Ohio6; b. April 16, 1897, Coldwater, Branch Co., Michigan7; d. March 25, 1933, Orlando, Florida8.

 

Notes for BURTON LEROY FULLER:

OBITUARY:  (The Wichita Eagle, January 17, 1953)  Funeral arrangements are being made by Downing mortuary for Burton Leroy Fuller, 90, of 146 So. Belmont, who died Thursday in Hot Springs, Ark.  Mr. Fuller was born July 6, 1862, in Warren, Ohio, and came to Kansas in 1900.  He operated a U.S. immigration office in Iola for several years and in 1917 moved to Wichita.  Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. Ola E. Tuttle, 144 South Belmont, Mrs. Mary Good, of California, Mrs. Martha Kerr, Coldwater, Michigan, and Mrs. Jack Jackson, of California; two sons, Wilbert H. Fuller, 146 South Belmont, and John E. Fuller, Denver and two grandchildren.  (another obituary in The Wichita Beacon, Jan. 17, 1953, p. 9) (Burton was also involved in real estate around Emporia, Kansas and later bought a company called Kashfinder System in Wichita.  He always owned a summer cottage in Coldwater, Michigan and spent many winters in Orlando, Florida.)

 

Burton met his first wife, Cora Heaston, while covering a wedding in Harfield, Missouri as a writer for the Mr. Ayr Record.  He was married for 35 years when she died of Bright's Disease.  After many lonely years he had the fortune to meet Ruth Barrell, near his summer home on Marble Lake, Coldwater, Michigan.  Ruth was a the manager of the hotel at Pleasant Ridge, which was near Burton's home.  Ruth was "a good christian lady - refined and had a good disposition".  She was also the organist at the Methodist Church in Coldwater.  They were married in Bryan, Ohio on October 10, 1927.  A letter I've seen dated October 5th indicates they never told anyone about the impending marriage until just days prior to the wedding.  Exactly one year to the day later a son, John Edward Fuller, was born.  Burton was 66 years old and a father for the third time.  A short 5 1/2 years later Ruth was operated on at the Orange County General Hospital in Orlando, Florida for a Hysterectomy.  Complications ensued on the day of the operation (Wednesday) and she died that Saturday.  The last words she spoke to Burton were these: "Daddy, you don't know how dearly I love you".  Shortly after this she slipped into a coma from which she never woke again.

 

More About BURTON LEROY FULLER:

Burial: Old Mission Cemetery, Wichita, Kansas

Cause of Death: Heart Failure / Old Age

Census: 1910 Lyon Co., KS., Emporia Twp., ED 44, p. 190

Occupation: Real Estate Sales

Probate: Filed January 22, 1953 in Wichita, Kansas.  Mentions sons Wilbert & John, daughter Ola, step-daughters, Mary Good, Martha Kerr, Marge Jackson.

Social Security Number: 512-12-3099

 

Notes for RUTH ELIZABETH CALKINS:

Ruth had three children with her first husband, Howard Barrell, son of Frank & Minnie Barrell, (b. 24 October 1894 in Adrian, Lenawee Co., Michigan, Married May 24, 1916 Branch Co., Michigan, Died November 10, 1950 in Ventura Co., California):  Children:  Marjorie Ruth b. October 03, 1918, Mary Elizabeth b. October 15, 1920, and Martha Jane b. November 20, 1922.  All born in Findlay, Ohio.  Around 1924 Howard abandoned his wife Ruth and three children, never to be heard from again. 

 

OBITUARY:  Ruth Elizabeth Fuller passed to the Great Beyond March 25, 1933, at 7:30 a.m. at the Orange County Hospital, Orlando, Florida, at the age of 36 years.  On Sunday she was as usual at her place in the Primary department of the Sunday School where she dearly loved her work.  She was the daughter of the late Frank E. Calkins, who preceded her in death four years ago.  Born in Coldwater and educated in the city schools, she was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church from childhood.  Surviving her besides her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth H. Calkins, of this city, are her husband, B.L. Fuller, and four children, Marjorie, Mary, Martha and John.  Mrs. Fuller had spent the past five and a half years in the west and south were the family maintained a winter home at Orlando and where she made many warm friends.  Mrs. Calkins accompanied the remains to Coldwater where funeral rites were concluded March 31 at 2:30 at McConkey's Funeral Home.  Burial will be in the family lot at Oak Grove Cemetery.

 

More About RUTH ELIZABETH CALKINS:

Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, Coldwater, Michigan

Cause of Death: Complications from Hysterectomy operation three days earlier.

 

                 iii.    PERRY ERNEST FULLER, b. June 14, 1867, Trumbull Co., Ohio; d. July 29, 1946, Iola, Kansas; m. CORA B. FAIL, February 19, 1901; b. April 25, 1868, Bethany, Missouri; d. July 27, 1935, Iola, Kansas.

 

Notes for PERRY ERNEST FULLER:

OBITUARY:  Ernest P. Fuller, who built several of Iola's business buildings, died yesterday morning at his apartment, 108 N. Jefferson.  He was 79 years old.  Mr. Fuller was born at Warren, Ohio, and came to Kansas in 1899.  With the exception of a year or two spent in Nebraska, where he homesteaded a farm, he has made his home here for the past 47 years.  E.P. Fuller and his brother, Ira M. Fuller, opened a grocery store at the corner of Jefferson and Jackson streets.  About 1905 they constructed the building now occupied by the Model Feed store.  In the following years they also built the structures now used by the Self Service grocery, the Model Grocery, the Safeway store and the one now being remodeled for the Oklahoma Tire Company.  In addition they built on the NW corner of Jackson and Jefferson streets.  The two brothers also dealt extensively in farm lands in southeastern Kansas as well as a few residences in Iola.  At one time they may have owned as many as 12 farms in the district.  Ira M. died several years ago.  In 1932 he ran for the Republican nomination for Senator, polling about 6,000 votes.  Ben Paulen received the nomination.  Mr. Fuller also was defeated when he was a candidate for sheriff of Allen county.  Burial will be at Bethany, Mo.  He leaves one brother, B.L. Fuller, Orlando, Florida.

 

More About PERRY ERNEST FULLER:

Burial: Bethany, Missouri

Census: 1910 Chase Co., KS. / Strong City Twp., ED 7, Sheet 78; 1920 Chase Co., Strong Twp., KS., ED 8, Sheet 9

 

Notes for CORA B. FAIL:

OBITUARY:  (Iola Register, Aug. 2, 1935, p. 2) Cora B. Fuller, daughter of George W. and Adaline Sevier Fail, was born at Bethany, Mo., April 25, 1868, and was married to E.P. Fuller February 19, 1901.  To this union was born one son, who died in infancy.  She passed away at Iola, Kan., July 27, 1935.  She is survived by her husband, E.P. Fuller of Iola, Kan., one brother, Charles S. Fail of Des Moines, Ia., one nephew, Dr. Charles S. Fail of Des Moines, Ia., and a large line of aunts and cousins who nearly all live in Harrison county.  Mrs. Fuller spent her early life in Bethany and at an early age became a member of the Methodist church of Bethany.  Mrs. Fuller's aunt, Mary Selby of Gilman City, Mo., was to her almost a mother, as her own mother died when Mrs. Fuller was quite young.  She was loyal and devoted to her husband, brother, home and friends.

 

More About CORA B. FAIL:

Burial: Bethany, Missouri

 

                 iv.    IRA MELVILLE FULLER, b. August 01, 1873, Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio; d. November 04, 1934, Iola, Allen Co., Kansas; m. GLENDORA NEFF; b. January 1872, Missouri; d. Aft. 1934.

 

Notes for IRA MELVILLE FULLER:

OBITUARY:  Ira M. Fuller, a resident of Iola for 34 years, died unexpectedly yesterday morning at his home, 710 North Walnut.  Death was attributed to heart disease.  Mrs. Fuller had left the house to go to the Fuller cafe on east Madison, leaving Mr. Fuller and their daughter, Miss Kathleen Carter in the house. Miss Carter heard Mr. Fuller enter the bathroom, and then heard a noise which aroused her attention.  She went to the the room and found Mr. Fuller lying on the floor where he had fallen.  Mr. Fuller was born in Warren, Ohio, 61 years ago.  He came to Iola in 1900 and engaged in the real estate business for many years.  He leaves his widow and a son, Melburne Fuller, and Miss Carter, a step-daughter.  He also leaves three brothers, E.P. Fuller, Iola; B.L. Fuller, Orlando, Fl.; and Judge Homer A. Austin, Mount Ayr, Iowa.

 

More About IRA MELVILLE FULLER:

Burial: Highland Cemetery

Cause of Death: Heart Disease

Census: 1900 Allen Co., KS, LaHarpe Twp., ED 6, Sheet 10

 

                  v.    HOMER AUSTIN FULLER, b. July 29, 1877, Trumbull Co., Ohio; d. March 07, 1945, Mt. Ayr, Iowa; m. ELEANOR SWAIN, January 24, 1906, Tingley, Iowa; b. January 23, 1882, Tingley, Iowa; d. February 23, 1963, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

 

Notes for HOMER AUSTIN FULLER:

OBITUARY:  (Mt. Ayr Record-News, Thursday, March 15, 1945  DEATH CLAIMS JUDGE FULLER, Prominent District Court Judge Served Nearly 28 Years.  Judge Homer A. Fuller, a most distinguished resident of Mount Ayr all of his mature life, passed away Wednesday evening, March 7, at his home at the age of 67 years, seven months and 18 days.  He had been in declining health for the past few years but, in spite of illness, he carried on in a courageous manner his duties as judge of the third judicial district of Iowa.  Soon after Christmas his condition became critical and it was known then that his long years of public service must soon come to a close.  Death marked the close of 27 1/2 years of outstanding service of one of Iowa's best known and highly respected jurists who held the ditinction of serving the district longer than any judge who had held the high position.  Judge Fuller resided over many importand cases in his own district and several times was called upon to administer justice in civil and criminal cases in counties outside his own district.  He was a special appointee of the chief justice of the Iowa supreme court during the summer of 1933 to hear the cases at Denison which grew out of disorders at a farm foreclosure in Crawford county.  Later he was called upon to preside over cases which developed from labor disputes at the Maytag plant at Newton.  Homer A. Fuller, son of Leroy and Elizabeth Fuller, was born July 20, 1877, on a farm near Warren, Ohio.  He attended country school until the removal of his parents to Mount Ayr, Iowa in 1884.  He worked on a farm and attended the Mount Ayr schools, graduating in 1894.  He was employed as a clerk in a general store at Bethany, Mo., until he entered the State University of Iowa in 1896.  Two years later he graduated with the law class at the age of 20 years.  On account of his minority, the oath of attorney was not administered until August 3, 1898, at Red Oak, Iowa, by Chief Justice Deemer.  He began the practice of law at once at Mount Ayr as a member of the firm of Fuller & Fuller, his brother, Frank F. Fuller, being the senior member.  He was active in the trial of civil and criminal cases until his appointment as judge of the third judicial district on August 7th, 1917, by Governor W.L. Harding, and served continuously until his death.  Judge Fuller served as mayor of Mount Ayr in 1915 and 1916, during the most progressive period in the city's history. It was during his administration that the sewer system and waterworks were established and the pavement was laid.  He insisted on the brick pavement which has stood the test and proved to be a wise choice.  He was active in securing funds given by the Carnegie Foundation to build the present public library.  Homer A. Fuller and Elanor Swain were united in marriage on January 24, 1906.  To this union were born two daughters, Esther (Mrs. Peter W. Janns) of Des Moines, and Elizabeth (Mrs. Stuart M. Franks) of Lisbon.  He is survived by his good wife, who was his constant companion through life and who faithfully administered unto him during his illness; two daughters, who were also in the home during the last few weeks of his illness; five grandchildren, Peter and Mary Janns, and Sarah, Kate and John Franks; and two brothers, B.L. Fuller, of Orlando, Florida, and E.P. Fuller, of Iola, Kansas.  Funeral services were held Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock from the Methodist church, conducted by the Rev. Frank Moore and the Iowa State Bar Association.  Following the services the body was laid to rest in Rose Hill cemetery.

 

More About HOMER AUSTIN FULLER:

Burial: Rose Hill Cemetery, Mt. Ayr, Iowa

Occupation: Judge

 

 

Endnotes

 

1.  Fuller Family Bible Record.

2.  Kansas State Board of Health Death Certificate for Leroy Fuller, Sedgwick Co., Wichita.

3.  Iowa State Board of Health Death Certificate for Elizabeth Alice Fuller.  Ringgold Co., Mt. Ayr Twp.

4.  Fuller Family Record.

5.  Arkansas State Board of Health Death Certificate for Burton L. Fuller, Garland Co., Hot Springs.

6.  Williams Co., Ohio Marriage License.

7.  Fuller Family Record.

8.  Florida Office of Vital Statistics Death Certificate for Ruth E. Fuller, Orange Co., Orlando.


See Leroy Fuller's photo here,
his wife Elizabeth A. Fuller here and
Leroy and his brothers here

 

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