The Fuller Family Papers include manuscript and secondary materials from a number of different sources and provide extensive information about the Fuller family in Newton. Arriving about 1644, John Fuller (1611-1699) was one of Newtons earliest settlers. His 1000 acre farm covered parts of Newtonville, West Newton and Waltham and remnants of an early stone wall can still be seen on Fair Oaks Avenue.

Another Fuller farm, the nucleus of which was given to Joseph Fuller (1652-1740) by his father-in-law Edward Jackson at the time of his marriage to Lydia Jackson, is now the site of Newton North High School. This farm later became the home of Sarah Fuller, daughter of Judge Abraham Fuller (1720-1794), and her husband General William Hull.

The Fullers are commemorated on the First Settlers Monument in the East Parish Burying Ground at the corner of Centre and Cotton streets in Newton Centre.

Fuller Family Deeds 1729-1821

This group of deeds span the years 1729 to 1821. Their provenance is unknown. The earliest, 1729, records the sale of 12 acres on the Charles River in West Newton. Other deeds relate to the Fuller farm in West Newton, land on Cheese Cake Brook in West Newton, and granting an open way through the Fuller Farm. These documents have all been transcribed.

Abraham Fuller 1720-1794

Abraham Fuller, grandson of John (1611-1699), was a teacher, Selectman from 1760 to 1767, and Town Clerk and Treasurer from 1766 to 1792. He was also a Representative to the General Court for eighteen years, Delegate to the Provincial Congress, Senator, Councilor, and Judge of the Court of Common pleas. At his death, he left 300 pounds to the town to found the Fuller Academy, which was built in West Newton in 1835.

Materials relating to Abraham Fuller are primarily copies from secondary sources and correspondence regarding photographs of paintings of Judge Fuller and his wife Sarah. Included are copy photographs of the paintings, which are said to have been done by Johnston. (First name not known, possibly John.)

Henry Fuller 1812-1898 and Hannah (Jackson) Fuller 1814-1891

Henry Fuller, a fifth generation descendant of John Fuller (1611-1699), and son of Silas and Ruth (Hoogs) Fuller, was born in Newton April 12, 1812. In 1840, he married Hannah Jackson, daughter of William Jackson, a descendant of another of Newtons founding families. In 1890, Henry and Hannah celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Hannah died the following year; Henry in 1898.

The Fullers had five children: William, Lucretia, Ruth, Elijah, and Mary. Elijah died in childhood; William died from consumption at the age of 25. Mary married Francis Murdock and Ruth married J. Henry Bacon, both of Newton. Lucretia never married. Correspondence from Ruths sisters to her and receipts from her father for chores done is located in the Bacon Family Papers.

Henry was a builder whose business prospered as Newton began to evolve as a railroad suburb. Henrys father-in-law, William Jackson, played a significant role in selecting the route of the railroad through Newton. Development was spurred by the introduction of passenger service from Boston and by Jacksons sub-division of a fourteen acre parcel of farm land which he called Briggs Place, now Walnut Park.

Many of the papers in this collection, including deeds, mortgages, leases, insurance policies, and general business correspondence, pertain to building projects on Walnut Park, Woodland Vale (Kenrick Park), and other properties in Newton Corner. Of particular interest is a letter, c. 1850, from horticulturist William Kenrick recommending a book on architecture "with additional notes and hints to persons about building in the country, by A. J. Downing Esq."

Henrys will, dated 1896, and probate documents from Lucretia J. Fuller, executrix for Henrys estate, provide an account of his assets from his business and investments.

These papers also include family correspondence between Henry and Hannah and their children, Hannahs father William Jackson, and Henrys mother Ruth Hoogs Fuller. There is a Daybook (1797-1748) that belonged to Henrys father Silas Fuller, and a Commonplace Book (1861) from Hannah.

Of particular interest is a diary, 1859-60, begun by William Jackson Fuller when he was seventeen and a series of sixteen school essays. In his diary, William reacts to the hanging of John Brown, talks of skating on Bulloughs Pond, and the rigors of reciting Latin. Family photographs complete this collection.

George Symonds Fuller 1886 - 1959

George Symonds Fuller, an eighth generation descendant of John Fuller (1611-1699), compiled an extensive Genealogy and History of the Fuller Family, which is part of this collection. His donations also include a reminiscence, West Newton, Mass. in 1856 as I remember it, written 1908-14 by his father, J(ohn) Cheever Fuller (1847-1935), and a Ledger, 1859-1869, from his grandfather George Fuller (1811-1887), who owned a chaise and harness making business on Washington Street in West Newton. Manuscript materials, including a hand drawn view of the major buildings in West Newton, c. 1818, and photographs in this collection provide an important resource for family and local history. (The sketches are in Box: Drawings, shelf N:5.)

Marion Fuller (1896 - )

The papers of Marion Fuller provide genealogical data regarding her father, William Ezra Fuller (1841- ) and grandfather, William Griffin Fuller (1810- ) and their families. These papers and other files of genealogical material add to the resources in this collection.

No. of Boxes: 4 flat boxes
Finding Aids: Partial

References:
Fleishman, Jackson, Smith