Levi Knight Fuller

Levi K. Fuller (February 24, 1841 – October 10, 1896) was an American businessman, military officer, and politician. A Republican, he served in the Vermont Senate from 1880 to 1882, as lieutenant governor from 1886 to 1888, and the 44th governor of Vermont from 1892 to 1894.

A native of Westmoreland, New Hampshire, Fuller was raised in Westmoreland and in Bellows Falls, Vermont. He began working at age 13, and completed apprenticeships in printing and telegraphy while still a teenager, in addition to completing evening school courses in engineering, mechanics, and electricity. In 1860, he began working at the Estey Organ Company in Brattleboro, Vermont; he soon became head of manufacturing, and was later appointed the company's vice president. In addition to his work for Estey, Fuller operated a machine shop and became a successful manufacturer of sewing machines and wood planers. Fuller invented more than 100 machines and mechanical innovations, including many that improved railroad cars.

A supporter of the Union, Fuller joined the Vermont Militia during the American Civil War, and remained affiliated with the organization until winning the governorship. In the mid-1870s, he became the commander of an artillery battery he personally raised, equipped, and paid, which was later accepted into National Guard service. A Republican in politics, Fuller represented Windham County in the Vermont Senate for one term, 1880 to 1882. From 1886 to 1888, he served as Vermont's lieutenant governor. In 1892, he was elected governor, and he served until 1894.

After serving as governor, Fuller returned to his work at Estey Organ. His health began to fail in 1895, and he died in Brattleboro on October 10, 1896. He was first buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Brattleboro. In 1900, his remains were moved to Brattleboro's Morningside Cemetery.

Early life Levi Knight Fuller was born in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, on February 24, 1841, a son of Washington Fuller and Lucinda (Constantine) Fuller. He was raised in Westmoreland and in Bellows Falls, Vermont. In 1856, he moved to Boston to become an apprentice machinist, and also worked as a telegrapher in order to pay for evening school studies in engineering and manufacturing. By 1866, he had been appointed superintendent of the company's manufacturing.

In addition to his work for Estey Organ, Fuller owned and operated his own machine shop. Fuller was also a shareholder in the Brattleboro and Whitehall Railroad, and served as the shareholders' auditor.

Military career

In June 1863, Fuller enrolled for the Union's military draft during the American Civil War. In December 1864, he joined the Vermont Militia's Company A, 12th Regiment, which performed in-state duties during the war. He enlisted as a private, was immediately promoted to sergeant, and continued to serve after the war ended.

Fuller was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Association for the Advancement of Science, Astronomical Society of the Pacific, and American Institute of Electrical Engineers, and American Association for the Advancement of Science. He represented Windham County in the Vermont Senate from 1880 to 1882.

In 1892 Fuller was selected as the Republican nominee for governor. Active in the "good roads" movement of the late 19th century, Fuller's term was notable for the creation of Vermont's first statewide effort to regulate their construction and maintenance, the Board of Highway Commissioners.

Later life and death

Fuller was a member of the Masons, Knights Templar, Odd Fellows, and Improved Order of Red Men. Fuller resided in a Victorian style mansion he called Pine Heights; the site was later redeveloped as the Eden Park Nursing Home.

After serving as governor he returned to his work at Estey Organ. Fuller's death in Brattleboro on October 10, 1896 was attributed to overwork and anemia. He was first interred at Prospect Hill Cemetery, and in 1900 his remains were moved to Morningside Cemetery.