Ferdinand Fuller was born in Lebanon, New London County, Connecticut, Sept. 26, 1815. His father was a farmer and was a soldier in the War of 1812. Ferdinand was the oldest of thirteen children. At the age of seventeen, he was apprenticed for four years to a carpenter. Later he attended an architectural school in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was an architect in Worcester until July 17, 1854 when he left for Kansas, arriving at the location where Lawrence now stands Aug. 1, 1854. As Mr. Fuller was leaving Worcester, he said, “The last sight I saw was the outline of the Oread Female Institute, built and owned by the Honorable Eli Thayer.” In honor of the man, he inscribed on his tent, “Mount Oread” and is therefore entitled to the honor of naming the beautiful spot on which the University of Kansas stands.

Mr. Fuller was a very active free-state man. The following story is told. “After a few days’ residence, a small party on Mount Oread heard that a band of men were coming to attack them, led by a ruffian named Stevson. So, Mr. Fuller, Anson H. Mallory, Dr. J.C. Harrington, and J. F. Morgan prepared for defense. The pro-slavery party had two bloodhounds, one of which scented down the free-state men. Mr. Fuller shot him. It was believed that the prompt shooting of the dog prevented the attack.” Mr. Fuller took an active part in the “Wakarusa War” and was present at the taking of Fort Titus.

As an architect, he planned the original Free-State Hotel, the first university building (North College) and many of the largest business houses in Lawrence.

On March 29, 1843, Mr. Fuller was married to Miss Martha E. Hutchinson at Columbia, Conn. and they had three children. One, Arthur M. Fuller, became a prominent man in Colorado.

This picture of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller was given to the library by a friend, Mrs. E. R. Learned in 1929.