With the public interests of Racine and the County J. W. Trumbull has been closely associated through his business connections and in other ways. He was born in Caledonia Township, this County, December 1, 1872, a son of John and Emily (Hazelton) Trumbull, who were natives of Mansfield, Connecticut, and of Vermont, respectively. They were married in Racine in 1865. The father was at that time forty-nine years of age, his birth having occurred in 1816. He had come to this County in 1839 when Wisconsin was still under territorial rule. The city of Racine was then but a small village and the district bore little resemblance to the County of today. He took up his abode on sections 7 and 18, Caledonia Township, and there engaged in general farming, contributing much to the agricultural progress of the locality. He was always deeply interested in politics, kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day and voted with the Republican Party. He wrote quite extensively for the press and was a man of broad and liberal education. He died in 1894, his remains are interred in Racine, and his widow, still surviving, occupies the old homestead. In their family were four children: Pearl, deceased; Florence, the wife of F. L. Clugg, living at Marshfield, Wisconsin; J. W.; and Mary, at home.
J. W. Trumbull obtained his education in the schools of Caledonia Township and was reared to the occupation of farming. He purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home place and continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits there until 1911. at the same time specializing largely in dairy farming. He became quite active in public affairs and for twelve years was clerk of the town. He also acted as clerk of the court for Racine County for four years following his removal to Racine and he has always given his allegiance to the Republican Party. He is still the owner of sixty acres of land on section 7, Caledonia Township. In 1911 he purchased a half interest in the Christensen Silo Company, serving as secretary and treasurer, and has since been engaged in silo work through all of the dairy states of the middle west. His business affairs are always carefully and wisely conducted.
He always seems to readily recognize the possibilities of a situation and he uses his advantages in the best way.
In 1895 Mr. Trumbull was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hayek and they have five children, namely: Pearl, Eleanor, Faith, Marjorie and John. The parents are members of the Christian Science church and they own and occupy a fine home at No. 1817 Park avenue in Racine. Hospitality there reigns supreme and the good cheer of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Trumbull has been a lifelong resident of this County and his history is familiar to his fellow townsmen, who have ever known him as a progressive and reliable business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, a faithful friend and a devoted husband and father. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.