Biographical Sketch of

Caleb F. Fuller



Transcribed by Lottie Bardoel for the Marquette Co WI Pages

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 582 - 583 CALEB F. FULLER, the present Posmaster of Westfield, and one of its most respected citizens, was born in Smithfield, R.I., Feb. 2, 1829. And is the son of Caleb Fuller, born in Attleboro, Mass. The latter is a direct descendant of the Rev. Thomas Fuller, whose sons were among the earliest settlers of New England, belonging to the old Puritan Families. From him descended many men and women of note. Caleb Fuller, father of our subject, removed with his parents to Rhode Island when a child, and in that State engaged in manufacturing for many years. At the time of his death, which occurred Oct. 28, 1847, he was superintendent of a cotton factory. He married Miss Leafy Handy, daughter of Philip Handy, a direct descendant of Benjamin Franklin, who was one of the early settlers of Rhode Island, and for many years engaged in the manufacture of scythes in that State. He was of English ancestry. By the marriage above mentioned there were born six children who grew to mature years. Caleb F. being the eldest of that number; Albert G., the second, is engaged in the livery business in Westfield; Alpha A. is the wife of Alonzo Fuller, of Chicago; William P. is living in Westfield; Charles W. enlisted in Company E. of the 7th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, was captured while on picket duty and confined in the Andersonville prison, where he died; Joshua P. served in the 37th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry, and fell in the charge upon the rebel works immediately succeeding the mine explosion in front of Petersburg. William also served in Company F, of the 7th Wisconsin Infantry. The subject of this sketch was reared to manhood in his native state, and in his youth he began learning the manufacture of cotton goods, becoming familiar with that business in all its departments. He there learned the habits and methods of business life and probably laid the foundations for his future success. He first visited Wisconsin during its territorial days in 1846, when he was but sixteen years of age. Milwaukee was then but a small village, and many parts of the State were inhabited only by the red men. He remained for a short time in Washington County, but soon afterward returned to Rhode Island, where he continued to reside until 1855, which year witnessed his return to Wisconsin. He settled in the town of Newton, Marquette County, and turned his attention to farming. Which he followed for three years, but in 1859 he met with an accident which forced him to abandon that occupation. In the month of August he was engaged in threshing in Washington County, and by some mishap had his right foot so severely injured that it had to be amputated. When no longer fitted for agricultural pursuits, he looked about him for some other means of livelihood and became a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, to which he was elected. He removed to Montello and continued to discharge the duties of that position for four years, when in 1863, in the company with A.P. Lipe, then County Treasurer of Marquette county, he erected a woolen factory in Harrisville. His early training in Rhode Island now proved of great benefit to him, and from 1865 until 1874, he was successfully engaged in the manufacture of woolen cloth in Harrisville. He has the honor of having made the first cloth in Marquette County on a power loom. Mr. Fuller's residence in Westfield dates from 1874, and he has held the office of Postmaster since 1881. He proved a faithful and competent official, and is quite popular with the citizens of Westfield and Marquette County where he is so widely known. He was reared in the Democratic school of politics, but united with the Republican party on its orginization, and has ever since been found in its ranks. Mr. Fuller is an intelligent and enterprising citizen who possesses much general information obtained both by observation and reading, and takes commendable interest in the educational moral growth of the community. He has ever given his support to all worthy enterprises and as a representative citizen we take great pleasure in presenting him to the readers of this ALBUM.

Transcribed by Lottie Bardoel for the Marquette Co WI Pages

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