James W. Fuller, Jr.

James Wheeler Fuller Jr. (March 16, 1843 – January 15, 1910) was a former officer of the 47th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment during the American Civil War who became an American industrialist known for manufacturing railroad axles and wheels. In 1910, he was described by his local newspaper, The Allentown Democrat, as "one of Catasauqua's most useful and enterprising citizens."

Formative years Fuller was born in Catasauqua, Pennsylvania on March 16, 1843, the second-oldest son of James Wheeler Fuller, Sr. and Clarissa (Miller) Fuller. He joined the military during the Civil War although he had not yet attained his majority. He later married Catherine Maria Thomas, from Beaver Meadow, Pennsylvania.

Following brief light infantry training, he was transported with the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers by rail to Washington, D.C. Stationed at "Camp Kalorama" near Georgetown, they mustered into federal service with the Union Army on September 24, 1861.

On October 1 of that same year, he was elevated to the rank of first lieutenant and adjutant for the regiment. He held that position for just three months. According to James Franklin Lambert and Henry J. Reinhard in their A History of Catasauqua in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, James W. Fuller Jr. "suffered a protracted illness, which overtook him during the first year of the Civil War in Virginia", and "was honorably discharged from the army and returned to his home."

Lehigh Car, Wheel & Axle Works In 1868, he organized the firm of McKee, Fuller & Company, proprietors of the Lehigh Car, Wheel & Axle Works.

Legacy The town of Fullerton, Pennsylvania was named in his honor.