INTRODUCTION
After over twenty years of researching the Fuller Family, I have decided to try and
document some of the results of this research. As anyone who does family research
knows, it is never possible to say you are finished. Some, just stop and others, like
myself, keep gathering information and adding names to their family tree. Some branches
of these Fuller trees are more complete than others, not because of lack interest, but
usually because of lack of available information.
CAUTION
This book should be considered a “work in progress”. It is not intended to be a
proven genealogy. The reader should consider this information as “clues” and
satisfy themselves as to its accuracy.
This is an attempt to put a large amount of data into some sense of organization. In some
cases we have added speculation as to the exact relationship of certain people. These are
not just idle guesses but are my conclusions after reviewing "the preponderance of the
information" that has been gathered. Early in our research we found that all types of
records and information sometimes contain errors. "Original records" are most always
more accurate than "compiled records", but original records also contain errors. Official
documents, such as vital records, court records etc. are also subject to errors.
Interpretation of handwriting and reading of poor quality records also leads to the
recording of wrong information. We have done our best to interpret the information
gathered and to record this data as accurate as possible.
The source of our information comes from many places and persons. The following is an
example, but certainly not a complete list of all types of sources.
1-Other researchers
2-Family members
3-Government sources and other "official records"
4-Libraries, both public and genealogical
5-Cemetery records and tombstones
6--LDS Family History Centers and Libraries
7-Newspapers
8-Internet sources
My heartfelt thanks to all whom have contributed information. I welcome all additions,
corrections and changes.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The search for my Fuller ancestors started in my birthplace, Johnson County, Nebraska.
From some of my older relatives, that were still living, I learned that my grandfather
Sherman Fuller, was born in Peoria County, Illinois and his father, Alexander, was born
in Ohio. My Aunt told me that Alexander Fuller had three wives and a total of 21
children in these three marriages. My early research soon took me to Peoria County,
Illinois and then to Coshocton and Guernsey Counties in Ohio. I soon discovered that
several Fuller families had arrived in Wheeling Township, Guernsey County, Ohio in
1807. They had settled in the northwest corner of Guernsey County, adjoining Coshocton
County. A review of the 1820 census for this area revealed a total of six Fuller "Heads of
Households", containing 44 persons. There were also four families of married “Fuller”
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INTRODUCTION
women that brought the total to ten households containing a total of 61 persons. My first
major objective was to attempt to identify these heads of households and determine how
or if they were related. After much research, I am still not totally sure of just how they are
tied together, although I am quite certain they are related in some manner. This book will
be an attempt to explain these relationships and to report on some of the descendants that
I have identified.
Early in my research, I became acquainted with Mrs. Margery Moodler, then of Dayton,
Ohio and now of Centerville, Ohio. Mrs. Moodler has researched these families for many
years and the information she provided was of extreme value in guiding me in the correct
direction. I am deeply grateful for her help. As pointed out by Mrs. Moodler, these
Fuller’s were in Washington County, Maryland in 1800 and before. The first chapter of
this book will include an overview of these families. My research has led me to separate
these families into two separate lines. One headed by Thomas Fuller Sr. and the other by
James Fuller (Sr.). I am convinced these two Fuller’s are related, but I can’t determine
how. Therefore I will treat them as two separate families. Part 1 of this book will be
devoted to Thomas and his descendents and Part 2, to James and his descendents.
NUMBERING SYSTEM
The numbering system used will follow closely the standard “Henry” system. Thomas
Fuller will be assigned number 1 and James Fuller number 2. An additional digit will be
added for each generation. For example, the first child of Thomas Fuller will be 11, the
second 12 etc., up to the ninth child. The tenth child will be designated A, the eleventh
child will be B etc. The third generation will follow this same pattern, with the first child
of 11 being 111 etc.
GENERAL INFORMATION
I plan to show all of the information collected on each person and family. This should be
considered the “evidence”. This information will be shown in a biographical sketch of
each person, including information such as as birth, marriage and death records, census
data, property and deed information, information from biographies and family or location
histories, information received from other researchers, etc. This may include some
speculation on my part as to exact relationships. These sketches will cover only the first
four generations. Any reader interested, can contact me for the source of and details of
the information I have collected.
In order to protect their privacy, I do not plan to name the other researchers from whom I
have received information. This information is in my files and will be made available as
necessary. In my research, I have made contact with dozens of descendants from these
Fuller families. Some, I have met in person and others are names and e-mail or snail mail
addresses only
I know there are errors in these documents. I welcome all corrections, additions and
comments.
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INTRODUCTION
Long range plans are to bind a few copies of the book, primarily for close family
members. I also plan to make unbound copies of the book available for copying and
postage cost. I am also putting it on a CD-ROM and making it available in that fashion. I
hope to be able to convince one of my family members to continue the research and
updating of this book.
Robert E. (Bob) Fuller
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