Jonathan Trumbull

Jonathan Trumbull
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Name	Jonathan Trumbull
Caption	Portrait by John Trumbull, 1778
Order	16th
Office	Governor of the Colony of Connecticut
Term start	1769
Term end	1776
Predecessor	William Pitkin
Successor	Office abolished
Order2	1st
Office2	Governor of Connecticut
Term start2	1776
Term end2	1784
Predecessor2	Office established
Successor2	Matthew Griswold
Birth date	12 October 1710
Birth place	Lebanon, Connecticut
Death date	17 August 1785
Death place	Lebanon, Connecticut
Party	None
Spouse	Faith Robinson
Children	Joseph, Jonathan Trumbull Jr., John, David
Alma mater	Harvard College
Occupation	Merchant, Politician

Jonathan Trumbull was a prominent American merchant and politician who served as the last Governor of the Colony of Connecticut and the first Governor of Connecticut following the state's admission to the United States. A steadfast supporter of the Patriot cause, he was the only colonial governor to retain his office throughout the American Revolution, earning the nickname "Brother Jonathan" from George Washington. His administration was crucial in supplying the Continental Army and managing Connecticut's vital contributions to the war effort.

Early life and education

Jonathan Trumbull was born on October 12, 1710, in Lebanon, Connecticut, to Joseph Trumbull and Hannah Higley. He was prepared for college by the Reverend Solomon Williams of Lebanon before enrolling at Harvard College at the age of thirteen. Graduating in 1727, he initially studied theology under Elisha Williams at Yale College and was licensed to preach. Following his father's death in 1729, he abandoned the ministry to manage the family's mercantile business, becoming a successful trader with the West Indies and building a significant fortune.

Political career

Trumbull's political career began in the lower house of the Connecticut General Assembly, where he served as a representative from Lebanon from 1733 to 1740. He was elected deputy governor of the Colony of Connecticut in 1766, serving under Governor William Pitkin. During this period, he also held the position of chief justice of the Connecticut Superior Court. His mercantile experience and judicial role positioned him as a leading figure in colonial affairs, particularly as tensions with Great Britain escalated following the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts.

Governor of Connecticut

Upon the death of Governor Pitkin in 1769, Trumbull succeeded him as governor of the Colony of Connecticut. He was initially a moderate, seeking reconciliation with the British Parliament, but grew increasingly radicalized by events like the Boston Tea Party and the Intolerable Acts. When the colony declared its sovereignty in 1776, Trumbull's office transitioned seamlessly, making him the first governor of the independent State of Connecticut. He was annually re-elected by the Connecticut General Assembly throughout the war.

American Revolution

Governor Trumbull was an indispensable partner to the Continental Congress and General George Washington. He transformed Connecticut into a key supply depot, famously using his own Lebanon war office, known as the "War Office," to coordinate logistics. The state provided vast quantities of food, munitions, and manufactured goods through a network of state agents and privateers. Trumbull also facilitated the recruitment of troops for the Continental Army, including forces that fought in key campaigns like the Battle of Long Island and the Siege of Boston. His close correspondence with Washington, who often addressed him as "Brother Jonathan," was vital to the war's prosecution.

Later life and death

After the Treaty of Paris ended the war, Trumbull continued as governor, focusing on the state's financial recovery and the settlement of western lands. He declined re-election in 1784 due to failing health and was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Matthew Griswold. Retiring to his home in Lebanon, Connecticut, he died there on August 17, 1785. He was interred at the Trumbull Cemetery in Lebanon.

Legacy

Jonathan Trumbull is remembered as a pivotal figure of the American Revolutionary War. His leadership ensured Connecticut's unwavering support for the revolution, earning him a place among the founding generation. His sons continued his legacy of public service: Jonathan Trumbull Jr. became a United States Representative and Governor of Connecticut, Joseph Trumbull served as the first Commissary General of the Continental Army, and John Trumbull gained fame as the "Painter of the Revolution." The town of Trumbull, Connecticut, and Trumbull College at Yale University are named in his honor.

Category:1710 births Category:1785 deaths Category:Governors of Connecticut Category:American people of the American Revolution Category:Harvard University alumni Category:People from Lebanon, Connecticut