George May Trotter is a native of Indiana, and was born in Bartholomew county,-on the 29th of September, 1835. He was partially educated in the county of his birth, and in 1856, went to Lebanon, Warren county, Ohio, where he finished his education. Returning to his native State and county, he engaged in farming and school-teaching, following the former in the summer and the latter during the winter months. When President Lincoln called for 75,000 troops, at the outbreak of the rebellion, Mr. Trotter enlisted in Company B, of the Sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, the company being under command of Captain Augustus Abbott. After three months’ service as a non-commissioned officer, Mr. Trotter was honorably discharged and, returning home, again resumed teaching, in which he continued till March, 1862. In August, 1862, he recruited a company, of which he was commissioned captain by Gov. O. P. Morton, and served in that capacity until May 20, 1865. He was then promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and held that rank till his final discharge, June 8, 1865. Returning to Indiana, he remained till July 4, and then came west, settling in. this State and county, where he has ever since been engaged in farming, stock-raising, and school-teaching. He owns a farm of 159 acres of well improved land in Harrison township, on which he and his family now reside.
Colonel Trotter was married, in Indiana, March 18, 1862, to Miss Hattie Hart, of Columbus, a lady born February 21, 1836. They are the parents of five children; named, respectively, Charles F., born June 17, 1866; Giddie M., born October 29, 1868; Hattie D., born November 4, 1870; George A., born October 2, 1874; and Josie, born March 18, 1877. The last named child died July 11, 1878.