Edward Fuller

Edward Fuller was born in 1575 in Redenhall, Norfolk, England, to parents Robert Nicholas Fuller and Sara Dunkhorn. He was baptized on September 4th, 1575 in Redenhall, England. Edward traveled on the Mayflower with his wife and son, Samuel. His brother, Dr. Samuel Fuller was also aboard. Edward was a signer of the Mayflower Compact, signed on 11 November 1620, when the ship was at Provincetown, on the tip of Cape Cod. Both Edward and his wife died during the first winter of 1621. Twelve-year-old Samuel, now orphaned, was taken in by his uncle, Dr. Samuel Fuller. 

Researchers from Portland State University have written a biography for Edward, including his time before arriving in Plymouth. 

An excerpt from their writings: 

Earlier researchers have asserted that Edward Fuller and his family never lived in Holland; however, recent evidence has been found confirming that they did, indeed, live in Leiden although, perhaps, only for a short time since records are so sparse  Within this context, it is not known when they emigrated from England to Holland, but according to the terms of his father’s will it would seem that Edward was still present in England in May of 1613.  Therefore, it may be presumed that they were Puritan Separatists and that they, probably along with many others, joined the refugees from Scrooby between 1614 and 1620; however, this is merely speculation.  Accordingly, it seems quite likely that Edward and his family must have been among the passengers of the “Speedwell” that embarked at Delftshaven and sailed to Southhampton in late July of 1620.  Moreover, it is clear that the Fuller family, including one son, Samuel, was aboard the “Mayflower” when it left Plymouth in September.  Likewise, it is known that the following November Edward Fuller was the twenty-first signer of the “Mayflower Compact” and that the Fullers were among the settlers at Plymouth one month later. Sadly, both Edward Fuller and his wife died during the “starving time” of the first winter, but their young son, Samuel, survived.  Perhaps, at least some portion of their remains now rests in the memorial sarcophagus located on Cole’s Hill in Plymouth, Massachusetts. 

Sources: 

The Edward Fuller family. General Society of Mayflower Descendants. (2022, December 19). https://themayflowersociety.org/passenger-profile/passenger-profiles/the-edward-fuller-family/ 

Edward Fuller Biography. Mayflower Heritage and History. (n.d.). Retrieved January 28, 2023, from https://mayflower.americanancestors.org/edward-fuller-biography