John W. Fuller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Wallace Fuller
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John Wallace Fuller
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| Born | July 28, 1827 Harston, England |
| Died | March 12, 1891 (aged 63) Toledo, Ohio |
| Place of burial |
Woodlawn Cemetery, Toledo, Ohio
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| Allegiance | United States of America Union |
| Service/ |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1865 |
| Rank |  Brevet Major General |
| Commands held | 27th Ohio Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
John Wallace Fuller (born July 28, 1827 – died March 12, 1891) was a British-born American who worked as a publisher and businessman. He was also a brave soldier. During the American Civil War, he served as a high-ranking leader, called a general, in the Union Army. After the war, Fuller continued his business career. He also helped with community matters in Ohio.
Contents
Early Life and Work
John W. Fuller was born in a village called Harston in England. His father was a minister and a college graduate. He taught John most of his early lessons. In 1833, John and his family moved to Oneida County, New York. He finished his education by reading books in a bookstore in Utica. By 1841, he started working there.
By 1852, Fuller owned his own publishing business in Utica. He later became the city's treasurer. He was also an officer in the New York State Militia. In 1853, Fuller married Anna B. Rathbun. They had six children together. In 1858, a fire destroyed Fuller's business. He then moved to Toledo, Ohio, and started another book publishing company.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began in 1861, Fuller decided to support the Union cause. He was sent to train soldiers in Grafton, Virginia. He also worked for a short time with General Charles W. Hill. On August 18, Fuller became the leader of the 27th Ohio Infantry. He was given the rank of colonel.
Early Battles
Fuller and his troops first served in Missouri. They were under the command of Generals John Pope and David Hunter. His unit then took part in battles at New Madrid in March 1862. They also fought in the Battle of Island Number Ten from February to April 1862.
In the fall of 1862, Fuller was given command of a larger group of soldiers called a brigade. He led them in Mississippi. They fought in the Battle of Iuka on September 19. They also fought in the Second Battle of Corinth on October 3–4. On December 31, his brigade fought in the Battle of Parker's Cross Roads in Tennessee.
Parker's Cross Roads
During the Battle of Parker's Cross Roads, Fuller's brigade surprised the Confederate forces. They got behind General Nathan Bedford Forrest's position. Forrest had to attack the Union soldiers in front and behind him. His men charged and pushed back Fuller's command. Then they quickly moved past the other Union soldiers. Fuller's unit and other Union forces captured six cannons. They also took about 300 prisoners and 350 horses. But Forrest's men were able to escape. They crossed the Tennessee River four days later.
Fuller spent most of 1863 on guard duty. He was promoted to brigadier general on January 5, 1864.
Later Campaigns
In March 1864, Fuller led his troops across the Tennessee River. They captured the city of Decatur, Alabama. That summer, he took part in the Atlanta Campaign. He temporarily led a larger group of soldiers called a division during the Battle of Atlanta on July 22. He again led his brigade during Sherman's March to the Sea in late 1864. He also fought in the Carolinas Campaign of 1865. Fuller was given the honorary rank of major general on March 13. After the war ended, he left the army that fall.
John Wallace Fuller was one of the few generals in the Civil War who was not born in the United States.
Life After the War
Fuller left the Union Army on August 15, 1865. He went back to his life as a civilian in Ohio. He was a senior partner in a company called Fuller, Childs & Company in Toledo. This business sold many boots and shoes to other stores. In 1874, Fuller was chosen to be the collector of customs for Toledo. He held this job until 1881.
In October 1878, members of the "Ohio Brigade" had a reunion in Columbus, Ohio. Fuller attended and gave a speech. During this event, they created a group for future reunions. Fuller became its first president. In 1888, he retired from his business work.
Fuller died in Toledo in 1891. He was buried in the city's Woodlawn Cemetery.
