JOHN C. and W. J. FULLER
John
C. Fuller, a native of Magog, Canada, where he was born
September 25, 1835, now lives retired in his comfortable home
in Lucas after a long and active career as agriculturist,
having followed farming in Lucas county since 1872. His parents,
Benjamin and Susan (Chapman) Fuller, were also natives of that
country, where they passed away. The maternal ancestors originally came
from the United States.
John C. Fuller was reared under the parental roof in Canada, remaining in that country until he was twenty-eight years of age, when in 1863 he removed to Illinois where he remained for nine years, following agricultural pursuits until in 1872 he came to Lucas county, Iowa, where he and his wife have resided since. They settled in Liberty township where he attained success, his incessant labor, energy and thorough methods bringing him prosperity. A few years ago he retired and purchased a comfortable home in Lucas, and there he spends his declining years in the enjoyment of a competence.
On
August 20, 1855, Mr. Fuller was united in marriage to Miss
Amelia Nelson, who was also born in Canada on Christmas day,
1835. She made
the trip to Illinois with her husband in 1863, a journey which
consumed eighteen days on account of inclement weather, and
subsequently remained his true and faithful helpmate, sharing
success and adversity alike.
Her parents, Major General Manley Nelson, a well known
officer, and Mrs. Belinda (Smith) Nelson, are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller
became parents of ten children of whom the four eldest were
born in Canada, the next three in Illinois and the remainder
in Lucas county. They
are as follows: Lunette
C., deceased; Ernest Elbert, who has also passed away; Mrs. S.
S. Compston, a resident of North Platte, Nebraska; Manly J.,
residing in Lucas; Olaf B., who also makes his home in that
city; Herbert F., of Bedford, Iowa; Eugene D., who passed away
in June, 1891; Orris J., of Chariton; W. J., of Lucas; and
Bert C., of Creston, this state.
Of this family W. J. Fuller was born in Lucas county, Iowa, May 16, 1874, and there attended public schools and grew to manhood. He early became connected with coal mining interests of Lucas and is thus identified at the present time. He was married, February 9, 1897, to Miss Lily May Patterson, who was born in Washington county, Ohio, May 7, 1880, and of her parentage more extended mention is made on another page of this volume under the caption J. D. Patterson. Unto Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Fuller were born three children: Ona, born June 5, 1899; Fleta, born in October, 1902; and Zora Belle, born February 27, 1907. All of these are attending the public school in Lucas. Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Fuller caries on the honorable traditions of the family and is making for himself a substantial place in the community. Wherever known he is highly respected and esteemed and he and his wife are popular among the younger residents of Lucas.