Trumbull, Jonathan, 1710 - 1785

Born in Lebanon, Connecticut, Jonathan Trumbull was the son of Joseph Trumble and Hannah Higley.  After graduating from Harvard (1727, 1730 M.A.), he became a licensed Congregational preacher but never was ordained.  His attention turned to the family's importing and trading business and the study of law.
 
In 1733, Trumbull became Lebanon's deputy to the General Assembly, a position he held variously until 1754.  By providing supplies to the troops, his business prospered during the French and Indian War.  In 1766, Trumbull was elected deputy governor with William Pitkin as governor and appointed Chief Justice of the Superior Court.  He rose to the governorship upon the death of Pitkin in 1769 and held that position for 14 years.  While the Mohegan Case played out in London, both Pitkin and Trumbull's administration push back hard against the work of the Mohegan's guardians by financing William Samuel Johnson as the Colony's agent and overseas advocate.  In his retirement in Lebanon, Jonathan Trumbull died of a stroke on August 17, 1785.
 
David O. White, "Jonathan Trumbull Governor of the Colony of Connecticut, 1769-1776 Governor of Connecticut, 1776-1784," Museum of Connecticut History, Connecticut State Library. Edited and revised by CSL Staff, July 2002.  Grant-Costa, "Last Indian War in Connecticut," 386-407.  Portrait: John Trumbull, Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Sr. (1710-1785), LL.D. 1779 and Mrs. Trumbull (Faith Robinson) (1718-1780) [1783], Yale University Art Gallery
 
Alias(es)
Jonathan Trumble
Born: 
October 12, 1710
Died: 
August 17, 1785
Ethnicity