Jacob T. Fullenwider is one of the active businessmen of Mechanicsburg, being prominently identified with financial interests as a banker there. He has made for himself an enviable reputation because of his integrity, his marked enterprise and his keen discernment, and he belongs to the class of citizens to whom Mechanicsburg owes its present prosperity and progress. A native son of Sangamon county, he was born on the old Fullenwider homestead, near Mechanicsburg, on the 24th of November 1853. He represents an old southern family, his grandfather, Harry Fullenwider, having been a native of Maryland, born near Hagerstown, in that state, in 1789. When a small lad he removed with his parents to Shelby county, Kentucky, and later was married there to Miss Harriet Neal, whose birth occurred in Fauquier county, Virginia, in 1789. They became the parents of thirteen children, all born in Shelby county, and of this number eleven reached mature years. In 1833 Henry Fullenwider came to Illinois and purchased land in Sangamon county, near Mechanicsburg. Afterward, however, he returned to his home in Shelby county, Kentucky, where he died on the 21st of July 1834. Later, the same year, his widow and children came to this state, settling on the land which had been purchased by the husband and father.

Jacob N. Fullenwider, the father of our subject, was born in Shelby county, Kentucky, June 5, 1814, and he succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead farm in Sangamon county, just east of Mechanicsburg, where he had a large and valuable tract of land. He erected thereon a good brick residence, substantial outbuildings and developed a valuable farm property. In connection with the tilling of the soil, he engaged in the raising of stock, and he found both branches of his business profitable, owing to his keen discrimination, careful management and indefatigable industry. He was married in this county March 23, 1837, to Miss Sarah A. Bullard, an aunt of William S. Bullard, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work, and a sister of John and Wesley Bullard, pioneer settlers of this county. Unto Mr. And Mrs. Fullenwider were born eleven children, of whom three died in early youth. The father passed away January 22, 1887, at the age of seventy-three years, and his wife survived him until May 1891, when she too, was called to her final rest. Of their eight children who reached mature years, six sons and a daughter are yet living and five of the sons are mentioned in this work, being prominent agriculturists of Mechanicsburg township, while the other brother Dr. Marcas L. Fullenwider, is a leading physician, now practicing his profession in Eldorado, Butler county Kansas.

Jacob T. Fullenwider was reared on the old homestead farm and obtained his education in the schools of Mechanicsburg. He continued to assist in the operation of his father's land until twenty-five years of age, when he began farming on his own account, but after following that pursuit for some time he entered the bank of A.T. Thompson and Brother, in Mechanicsburg, in which he remained as an employee for five years.

Prior to this time Mr. Fullenwider was married in Mechanicsburg, December 18, 1878, to Miss Laura B. Thompson, a daughter of A.T. Thompson, the founder of the bank. He was also one of the early settlers of the county and a prominent and influential resident of this part of the state. Mrs. Fullenwider was born and reared in Sangamon county and pursued her education in the Ladies' Atheneum at Jacksonville. After five years' service in the bank, Mr. Fullenwider engaged in farming for one year, on account of his health, operating the original tract of one hundred and forty acres purchased by his grandfather. He then embarked in the grocery business in Mechanicsburg, conducting his tore for five years. During that time he and L.B. Hall purchased the interest of Harvey Thompson in the bank, and under the firm name of A.T. Thompson and Company the business is now capably conducted and has become one of the strong financial institutions of this part of the state. Mr. Fullenwider also engaged in the implement business in connection with J.L. Hall in 1900, and in 1902 they erected a large and neat brick business block for the accommodation of the bank and of the implement store. They also carry a complete stock of hardware, buggies and wagons, and have built up a good trade. Mrs. Fullenwider owns a farm near Mechanicsburg.

Unto our subject and his wife have been born two sons, who are yet living, Homer Ernest and William T. They also lost a daughter, Priscilla Agnes, November 19, 1896, in her seventh year. Politically, Mr. Fullenwider is a stanch Republican, his first presidential ballot being cast for Rutherford B. Hayes in 1876. He has never wavered in his support of the Republican party, for he believes that its platform contains the best elements of good government. At local elections, however, where no issue is involved, he votes independently. The cause of education has ever found in him a warm and helpful friend and for a number of years he has been a member of the school board and has also put forth effective effort in behalf of the public opportunities provided for mental improvement in Mechanicsburg. He has served as president of the town board and in public office has proved most loyal and faithful, yet he has never sought or desired political preferment. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the Knights of Pythias Lodge, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He career has been characterized by integrity, by strong purpose, laudable ambition and untiring industry, and he stands today among the honored citizens of Mechanicsburg, his life well entitling him to the respect and confidence of his fellow men. [Transcribed by Debbie Quinn]