But flattering as all these recognitions were, because they were far from adventitious, yet they did not satisfy the ambition of the young lawyer. He longed for enlarged opportunities. He therefore resigned membership in the council, and before the close of 1856 removed to Chicago to begin his career practically anew.
When Mr. Fuller reached Chicago he was unknown. Whatever reputation he had achieved in his brief professional life, on the banks of the Kennebee, availed him nothing, save in the consciousness that he had developed power, to which, now, must be added the all important element of courage. He was quick to decide, and the conviction struck him that he must identify himself with a new order of life and with new conditions. This he proceeded to do — to make the interests of the new community his interests — to enter into its life as fully and completely as one in his position might properly be allowed to do. To a manner that was engaging, he added a brilliancy of attainments and a readiness and eagerness for the work of his profession that soon brought him clients and an established reputation. Within the first two years of his western career he argued a case before the Supreme Court of Illinois, and extension of his practice to the United States District and Supreme courts came rapidly. It was not long until he stood well at the head of the Chicago bar. The cases which stand out most distinctly in Mr. Fuller's career as a lawyer are probably those which grew out of the prorogation of the legislature of Illinois in 1863, and the famous Cheney heresy trial. The latter case charged canonical disobedience against Bishop Charles E. Cheney, and the attempt was made by the ecclesiastical council to interdict him from acting as rector, and to prevent his farther use of the parsonage and church, as such. Dr. Cheney was defended by Mr. Fuller, and in point of thoroughness, display of ecclesiastical knowledge, familiarity with the writings of the Church fathers, and legal acumen, this defense has rarely been equaled. The case, finally, was taken up to the Supreme Court of Illinois, where it was re-presented by Mr. Fuller in a masterful and eloquent argument, and received the confirmation of that tribunal.
Another case, celebrated in legal annals, was the “Lake-front Case,” involving vast interests of large importance to the city of Chicago. This case was tried before Mr. Justice Harlan and Judge Blodgett of the United States Circuit court, and its conduct by Mr. Fuller attracted widespread attention.
