Josiah C. Fuller was born around 1827 in Carver, Massachusetts, to Calvin and Eliza Fuller. By 1850, he was working as a shoemaker in Plymouth, Massachusetts. He married Elizabeth A. Wood on August 17, 1851. She probably died soon afterward, and he married Nancy Bradford on June 6, 1854. They had at least four children: Lizzie, born around 1855; Russel, born around 1859; Joseph, born around 1860; and Sarah, born around 1867. By 1860, he owned $2,400 of real estate and $500 of personal property.

 

In December 1861, he received a commission as a 1^st lieutenant in the 32^nd Massachusetts Infantry. He was promoted to captain in May 1862. The regiment took part in the Second Battle of Manassas, the Battle of Antietam, the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Battle of Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign. He was wounded in the winter of 1863-64. As a surgeon explained, he “lost his upper teeth and requires an artificial set made and fitted before he can be fit for military duty.” He mustered out on June 22, 1864.

 

He returned to Plymouth after leaving the army, and he resumed his work as a shoemaker. By 1870, he owned $2,000 of real estate and $800 of personal property. He later worked as a druggist. His wife died on November 1, 1881, and he married Harriet A. Stafford on April 27, 1892. He died of “nervous prostration” in Plymouth on July 4, 1896.

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