Early Life
Trumbull was born in Lebanon, Connecticut, the son of Joseph Trumbull (1678–1755) and his wife née Hannah Higley. He graduated from Harvard College with a B.A. in 1727; three years after graduation, during which time he studied theology under the Rev. Solomon Williams at Lebanon, and was licensed to preach at Colchester, Connecticut, this became a Master of Arts degree. He became a merchant with his father in 1731, participating more fully in the business after the death of his brother at sea in 1732. From 1733-1740, he was a delegate to the general assembly, and, in 1739-40, was Speaker of the House. He was appointed lieutenant colonel in Connecticut's militia in 1739.
He married, on December 9, 1735, Faith Robinson (1718–1780), daughter of Rev. John Robinson. They were the parents of six children including:
- Joseph Trumbull (1737–1778), first commissary general of the Continental Army and an early member of the Board of War.
- Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. (1740–1809), Aide-de-camp to General George Washington from 1781 to the end of the war; Governor of Connecticut 1798-1809
- Faith Trumbull (1743–1775), who married General Jedidiah Huntington
- Mary Trumbull (1745–1831), who married William Williams, signer of the Declaration of Independence
- David Trumbull (1751–1822), commissary of the Colony of Connecticut
- John Trumbull (1756–1843), "Painter of the American Revolution"; aide-de-camp of General George Washington for 19 days in 1775.
He served as deputy-governor of the Colony of Connecticut from 1766–1769, and, on the death of Governor William Pitkin, became Governor of Connecticut in 1769, serving in that capacity until 1784.
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