Shelby Fullen.—Samuel Fullen, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, December 28, 1766, and was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fullen, the paternal grandmother of our subject. This union resulted in the birth of three sons and five daughters: Ruhama, John, Nancy, Charles, Samuel, Sarah, Minerva, and Mary. Samuel Fullen was an early settler of Kentucky, coming from Virginia to that state, and in an early day, he removed to this state. His death occurred in Rush County, about 1842. John Fullen, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, November 8, 1793. He was reared on a farm, and came to Indiana with his father. His occupation was farming. He was married in Indiana to Jemima Harrell, the daughter of Jeremiah Harrell, a native of Virginia. Her parents were early settlers of Indiana, where she was born. The above marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: Shelby and John. The father was called away September 10, 1821. The mother afterward married a Mr. Horton, and became the mother of other children. She died in Indiana, about 1839. Shelby Fullen, the subject of this sketch, was born in Fayette County, Ind., October 3, 1819. He was reared on a farm, and received a fair education in the country schools. In early life he taught school, but his chosen occupation has been farming. March 7, 1840, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Sutton, the daughter of Philip and Sarah L. (Childra) Sutton. Both parents were born in Preble County, Ohio, and were of German parentage, their ancestors being early emigrants to, and settlers of, New Jersey. Mrs. Fullen was born in Johnson County, Ind., August 31, 1824. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the following children: Philip, deceased, Jemima, Sarah Annie, Delilah, deceased, Rachel, Louisa, deceased, John W., Mary E., deceased, Elizabeth K., deceased, Emma I., deceased, Matilda M., deceased, and Woodberry W. Mr. Fullen’s widowed mother came to Johnson County, about 1822. Her husband had visited the county and entered land, and returned to Fayette County and died. After our subject’s marriage he settled in this county, and with the exception of a short time, he has continued to live in the county. He and wife are members of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Fullen is a representative farmer and citizen, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors. He has filled the office of justice of the peace and assessor of his township, and has always been a progressive man.

Transcribed by Cheryl Zufall Parker

Banta, D. D. History of Johnson County, Indiana. Chicago, IL: Brant & Fuller, 1888, Page 894.