A resident of Newport since his early youth, Mr. Fullerton became connected with the city government almost three decades ago. Since 1907 he has served continuously as city clerk of Newport, the length of his service indicating how ably and efficiently he has filled this responsible position and to how great an extent he enjoys the liking and confidence of his fellow-townsmen. Mr. Fullerton undoubtedly is one of the most popular public officials in Newport, and this popularity also extends to the several fraternal and other organizations in which he maintains membership.
Francis Neil Fullerton was born at Hartsport, Nova Scotia, Canada, October 26, 1878, a son of the late Richard Harding and Agnes (Gabriel) Fullerton, both natives of Nova Scotia. His father was a sea captain and followed the sea until his death. Mr. Fullerton received his education in the public schools of Boston, Massachusetts, and of Newport, graduating from the Newport High School. After leaving school he served for two years as a clerk in the office of William P. Sheffield, a prominent Newport lawyer. In 1902 he was appointed deputy city clerk of the city of Newport, and five years later, in 1907, he was elected city clerk, in which position he has been continued ever since then. For six years he was at one time a member of the Newport Artillery Company and in 1898, during the Spanish-American War, he volunteered with the 1st Regiment, Rhode Island Volunteers, serving for thirteen months with the rank of corporal. He is a member of St. John’s Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons; Newport Chapter, No. 2, Royal Arch Masons; DeBois Council, No. 5, Royal and Select Masters; Washington Lodge, No. 104, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Weenschassett Tribe, No. 6, Improved Order of Red Men; and the Royal Arcanum. He is also a member of the Rhode Island Town and City Clerks Association, the New England Town and City Clerks Association, and Camp Thomas, Veterans of the Spanish War. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, while his religious affiliations are with the Baptist Church. He is fond of outdoor life and outdoor sports and especially interested in baseball and football.
Mr. Fullerton married, in 1905, Margaret Tanner, a native of Newport. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, who make their home in Newport, are the parents of three children: Frances Sanford, Ruth Gabriel, and Richard Harding Fullerton.
Source: Carroll, Charles. Rhode Island: Three Centuries of Democracy, vol 3 of 4. New York: Lewis historical Pub. Co., 1932.