Biographical Sketch of

Joseph Trimbell

Transcribed by Barbara Voss


Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 446 - 447

Joseph Trimbell, deceased, formerly a resident of Kingston, was born in the North of Ireland, where he spent the 
days of his boyhood and youth. In early manhood, however, he bade goodbye to the Emerald Isle, and sailed for 
America with the hope of making a fortune in the New World. He first settled in Vermont, where he married Miss 
Frances Elliott, also a native of Ireland. They began their domestic life in New York, and subsequently removed 
to Indiana, whence they went to Clinton County, Iowa, being among the early settlers of that county.

The year 1847 witnessed their arrival in Green Lake County, and the town of Marquette was chosen as the scene of 
their future labors. Mr. Trimbell turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, and engaged in that business until 
after the death of his wife, when he removed to Kansas, where he spent his last days. Unlike most of the people 
of Ireland, they were strong believers in the Protestant faith and opposed with all their power the Catholic Church. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Trimbell was born a family of eight children: Jane, the eldest, became the wife of William Price, 
and are both now deceased; Elizabeth became the wife of Henry Stevens and died at her home in Rock Island, Ill; 
Cyrus is living in Kingston, Green Lake Co., Wis; Joseph is in Peabody, Kan,; Thomas died in Illinois; Eleanor died 
in Wisconsin; James is living in Marquette County, Wis.; and Charlotte is the wife of Albert Howard, of Mason City, 
Kan. Cyrus Trimbell, son of the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., April 
12, 1832, and remained with his parents until he attained his majority. Since 1847, he has made his home in Green 
Lake County, and is accounted one of its leading citizens. He acquired a common school education, and assisted his 
father in the cultivation of the home farm, until his marriage. He has engaged in agricultural pursuits throughout 
his entire life. He made his first purchase of land in the town of Marquette, Green Lake County, but subsequently 
sold that, and in 1860 bought 120 acres on sections 35 and 26, in the town of Kingston, where he now resides. He 
still continues its cultivation, and is one of the successful farmers of the community. His comfortable home with 
its pleasant surroundings is an indication of thrift and enterprise. He has ever manifested an interest in public 
affairs, but has never sought or desired official honors. He formerly cast his ballot with the Democratic Party, but 
is now liberal in his views, supporting the best candidate placed before the people.

Mr. Trimbell has been twice married. On the 29th of March, 1853, he was joined in wedlock with Miss Eleanor Carson, 
and unto them were born two children; Frances Eleanor, who was born January 1, 1856, and is now the wife of Joseph 
Dunson, of Puget Sound, Port Townsend, Wash,; and Edgar E., also of Puget Sound. The death of the mother occurred 
November 17, 1857 and on the 13th of February 1861, Mr. Trimbell led to the marriage altar Miss Cornelia Beers, a 
native of the Empire State and a daughter of George W. and Maria Beers. Their family consists of the following 
children; Derwood, who was born October 19, 1861, and is living in Green Lake County; George, born December 12, 1862,
is a resident of Raymond Clark County, S.D., and the husband of Jennie Saunders; Bertha C., born July 23, 1869, is a 
teacher of music; Luella born October 26, 1874; Ernest, born January 1, 1875; and Byron, born January 21, 1880.

During his long residence in this county, Mr. Trimbell has made many warm friends, by whom he is held in high regard.






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