Journal of Samuel Fuller 1612-1683
Journal of Samuel Fuller 1612-1683 My name is Samuel Fuller . I am an old man now but I remember so many times of my childhood. My father was Edward Fuller of Redenhall, Harleston Co., Norfolk, England. He was born September 4, 1575. My mother was Ann and I know nothing of her parentage. I had a brother Matthew Fuller in 1605 in Redenhall, Harleston Co. Norfolk, England . I was born in Redenhall in 1612. After my parents were married we lived in Leiden , Holland for a few years. I don't remember it very well. My parents decided to leave England for the New Land. We left the harbor of Plymouth, England on September 6, 1620 when I was nine years old. It was so exciting to board the ship named the Mayflower. Many of my parents friends and an Uncle Edward sailed with us. My brother Matthew did not come with us and I missed him very much. He did come to the New Land and also lived in Barnstable where he died in 1678. I heard the grownups talk about my father being the twenty-first signer of the Mayflower compact but I did not understand what that meant. It was a long voyage for me and I was so glad to land at a place they called Cape Cod. It was November 19th and it was so cold. My parents were very sick. That winter was so cold and we did not have that much food. My parents both got sick and died not long after we landed. My Uncle, Dr. Samuel Fuller took me into his house to live. I had a happy time with my Uncle for he was very smart and kind. On the ship he had a servant named Wiliam Button, but Mr Button died at sea. My Uncle lived until the autumn of 1633. He had over 30 books in his home when he died. That was considered to be unusual but he was a very learned man. He had many Bibles, physic books and dictionaires. My Aunt Bridget came from Lieden on a ship named Anne after we arrived in the new land. She was nice and I had several cousins. When I became an adult I was a Freeman of Plymouth in 1633. I met a nice girl in Scituate, Mass. and married her in 1635. Her father was Rev. John lothrop from Edgerton, Kent, England. Her name was Jane. Jane and I lived in Scituate and then moved to Barnstable about 1641. We had nine children. As a passenger on the Mayflower I received three acres of land. In 1627 I was the third person in the Eight Company in the Plymouth division of cattle. At that time I was living with my Uncle Samuel. I also had to pay taxes of 9 shillings in Plymouth on March 27, 1634. That did not make me happy. My beloved wife Jane died before I did. I died October 31, 1684 in Barnstable, Mass. The reason that I have written this letter is for my descendents. My daughter Hannah married and one of her descendents is a member of your Forum. You know her as Dana Heaven Neilon. I am told she is a strange lady but are we not all ? If I had not survived that cruel, hard winter she would not exist. I lived many years ago and my stories are many. I hope you have enjoyed my tale. I lived a simple life but a good one. I went to meet my maker with a humble heart and a soul not burdened with guilt. .

Dani, this is absolutely incredible and wonderful. Thank you :D You know, when I was reading your piece on the Mayflower, I was thinking that it is amazing that any survived the voyage and then that winter. Thank God, your great, great, great...........grandfather did :D

Thank you, poetic licence to write this account but the facts I used are all true. He is the begining of my grandmother's family in this country. Maybe I will write again from the prospective of another interesting person... Good way to have you read history, isn't it ? :D

Absolutely fascinating, Dani!!! Keep on writing!!! :D

wonderful fascinating incredible.......... :x ... two other similar comments and I´ll take the time to read it myself. :lol:

Nah, Wolfgang, don't bother :lol: What was the phrase....GREAT BIG HAIRY DEAL :D :D

Fascinating, Dani!!!! Many thanks for posting that, what an amazing family history you must have.