TRUMBULL, Jonathan, Governor [1710-1785] -- American statesman
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a/k/a
Brother JonathanHe was born in Lebanon, New London county, Conn., Oct. 12, 1710; son of Joseph (d., June 16, 1755) and Hannah (Higley) Trumbull; grandson of Capt. John Higley of Windsor and Simsbury, and of John and Deborah (Jackson) Trumbull of Suffield, Conn., and great-grandson of John and Ellenor (Chandler) Trumbull. John Trumbull came to America about 1637, from Newcastle, upon Tyne, England, and settled first in Roxbury, and then in Rowley, Massachusetts Bay colony.
Jonathan was graduated from Harvard in 1727; studied theology under the Rev. Solomon Williams at Lebanon, and was licensed to preach at Colchester, Conn.
During the Revolutionary war, he was ex-officio chairman of the council of safety; did much toward raising troops for the prosecution of the cause, and was a staunch friend and adviser of General Washington, early assuring him of the loyal support of Connecticut to the cause of American independence, and upholding him throughout the war. Indeed, Trumbull was the only colonial governor to continue in office through the American revolution.
Washington, when in doubt as to his course of action, frequently said, "Let us consult Brother Jonathan," thus giving rise to the name as representing the American people. The honorary degree of LL.D. was conferred upon Governor Trumbull by Yale, in 1775, and by the University of Edinburgh, in 1787.
Lebanon War Office
During the War of the Revolution, Governor Jonathan Trumbull and the Council of Safety held more than eleven hundred meetings in this building, and here also came many distinguished officers of the Continental Army and French Allies.
Their Monument is more Enduring than Bronze.
- Jonathan ¤ was governor of Connecticut, 1798-1809;
- Joseph ¤ was the first commissary general of the Continental army;
- David ? was commissary of the colony and assistant commissary under his brother;
- John ¤ became a noted historical painter;
- Faith married Gen. Jedidiah Huntington, ¤ and
- Mary married William Williams, ¤ the signer.
In 1896, on the chimney above the fireplace in the old war office at Lebanon, the Connecticut Society Sons of the American Revolution caused to be erected a bronze slab on which is inscribed as shown.
Governor Trumbull died in Lebanon, Conn., Aug. 17, 1785.
Chronology |
1727 | Graduated from Harvard |
1731 | Engaged in mercantile business with his father |
1733-1740 | Delegate to the general assembly |
1734 | On the death of his brother, joined his father in the business |
1739 | Appointed as Lt.-Col. in the state militia |
1739-1740 | Speaker of the house |
1743 | Established an academy at Lebanon, CT |
1766-1769 | Deputy-governor of CT |
1769-1783 | Governor of CT |
1775 | Honorary LL.D. conferred by Yale |
1787 | Honorary LL.D. conferred by University of Edinburgh, SCT |
Bookmarks (off-site links) |
- Works by
- Analyses, critiques and interpretations
- Papers, collections
- Governor Jonathan Trumbull Papers The documents are quite interesting. Both are from Jonathan Trumbull, both are addressed to Thomas Hollister, and both appoint him to the rank of lieutenant. The first document (1775) in King George's army and the second (1777) in the Revolutionary army. Transcriptions of both documents are provide with the images.
- CHS: Library: Manuscript Collections
- Thirteen broadsides, proclamations, etc. issued by Governor Trumbull. Use the "new search" link to search out more. I found at least 50 references to J.T.
- The Hickey Plot - David Matthews, Late Mayor of New York City
- Works about
- Biographical
- Specific periods, events, aspects
- Johnathan Trumbull "Ask Brother Jonathan"
- Jonathan Trumbull - People of Connecticut
- Trumbull, Jonathan
- Genealogy
- Memorials, tributes, shrines
- Bibliographies and Link Farms
- Biographical
- Historical context, background
- Residences
- The Scarlet Standard #8 - Governor Jonathan Trumbull armed by Divine Providence for the Holy cause of Liberty make of it what you will!
- Historic Sights
- History of Lebanon
- Lebanon, Connecticut and the Trumbull Cemetery
- Lebanon at War Trumbull's War Office
- Traditions, Events, & Symbols "Brother Jonathan"
- Gallery