Biographical Sketch of BAXTER FULLER - Henry County, Illinois Baxter Fuller, who is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred acres on Section 35, Wethersfield Township, this county, and forth acres in Stark County, and another of one hundred and sixty acres in Galva Township, leases most of his land at the present time, cultivating only a small portion himself. He was born on the old homestead place on Section 35, Wethersfield Township, his natal day being March 29, 1845. His parents, Jehiel and Emeline Fuller, were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio, respectively and were married in the latter state. The first representatives of the family in this country came to the new world on the Mayflower. Jehiel Fuller, who made his way to Henry County about 1838, took up his abode among the earliest settlers of Wethersfield Township and locating on Section 35, there successfully carried on his farming operations until called to his final rest about 1865, when he had attained the age of sixty-five years. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, three of whom are yet living, as follows: Baxter, of this review; Jehiel,; and Mrs. Helen Maxfield, of Cincinnati, Ohio. In early life Baxter Fuller enjoyed the educational advantages afforded by the district schools of his home locality. At the time of the Civil War he espoused the Union cause and for six months did duty as a member of Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. When he had attained his majority his father gave him eighty acres of land on the west quarter of Section 35, Wethersfield Township, where he erected the necessary buildings and made his home until 1895. About 1892 he purchased a tract of eighty acres adjoining this farm on the east and built thereon a new residence of eight rooms with all modern conveniences, including an acetylene gas plant. In 1895 he took up his abode in that dwelling and has continually extended the boundaries of his farm by additional purchase until it now comprises two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land. Until four years ago he was actively engaged in the operation of this large farm but now leases the greater part of the land and cultivates only a small tract, which he devotes principally to the raising of corn and garden truck. In addition to his agricultural interests he has always given considerable attention to the raising of stock, keeping on hand from twenty-five to forth head of cattle, eight or ten horses and also some hogs. He likewise has a quarter section of land in Galva Township which he rents, and his wife is the owner of a tract of one hundred acres on Section 34 and 33, Wethersfield Township. Formerly Mr. Fuller was also the owner of farming lands in Stark County, this state, and in Nebraska. The success which he now enjoys is entirely the result of his own well directed labor and enterprise and he is accounted one of the substantial and progressive citizens of his native county. On the 14th of September 1869, at Toulon, Illinois, Mr. Fuller was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary A. Peterson, a daughter of Jonas and Martha Peterson, of Wethersfield Township. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Fuller have been born three children, namely: Arthur, who is thirty-eight years of age and resides at home; May, the wife of Charles Broughton, an agriculturist of Wethersfield Township; and Trella, a maiden of fourteen who is at home. Mr. Fuller is a stanch advocate of the Prohibition Party and an active worker in its ranks, believing that the liquor traffic is the worst evil with which our country has to contend. For four years he capably served as justice of the peace and has advanced the cause of education as a school director, acting in the latter capacity for some years. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Saxon Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a trustee and in which he served as class leader for many years or until his recent resignation. For some time he also acted in the capacity of steward. He is well-known throughout the county where his entire life has been passed and where he has so directed his efforts as to win the respect and confidence of his fellow men. (three pictures of family members) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Alice Gless