Biographical Sketch of

Allen L. Trufant

Transcribed by Joan Benner



Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Green Lake, Marquette and Waushara Counties, Wisconsin, 
published 1890 by Acme Publishing Co., Chicago, Pages 620 - 622


Allen L. Trufant, senior member of the firm of A. L. Trufant & Sons, has been engaged in general merchandising 
in Wautoma for thirty-four years, and is recognized as one of the leading business men of the county,.  The 
business was established under the present name in 1871, although our subject has previously followed the same 
vocation.  The liberal patronage which they receive is due to the courteous treatment of all, prompt attention 
to the orders received and the excellent stock of goods which they carry. They have built up a trade which 
would be an honor to a much larger city and have won the confidence and high regard of all with whom they have 
come in contact.

Mr. Trufant whose name heads this sketch, was born in Charleston, Mass., on the 15th of October, 1824, and 
is a son of Benjamin and Mary (Fowler) Trufant, the former a native of Maine, the latter of Salisbury, Mass.  
By occupation Benjamin Trufant was a ship builder, and for many years was foreman of the United States Navy 
in Charleston.  He died while in the employ of his country in the year 1832.  The family numbered four children, 
two sons and two daughters, but Benjamin F. and Emeline are now deceased.  Mary E., the sister of our subject 
is the widow of James Smith, and is now living in Boston, Mass.  The mother died in Boston about the year 1876, 
having survived her husband many years, aged seventy-three.

The early life of our subject was spent in his native town.  He was a lad of fifteen years when his father's 
death occurred, and as no patrimony was left to the children he was thrown upon his own resources.  The sad 
news had hardly been received when he received an appointment from the Government as a Midshipman on the United 
States vessel "Ohio," under Commodore Hull, and he served in that capacity for three years, visiting many countries 
during that time.  His travels proved an excellent school of learning to him, and during that period he passed one 
of the most pleasant experiences of his life.  On abandoning the sea he went to Winthrop, Maine, where he served 
an apprenticeship to the shoemaker's trade with an uncle, Allen Trufant, a manufacturer of that city. At the end 
of three years, having thoroughly mastered the trade, he embarked in business for himself, opening a boot and 
shoe store in Winthrop.  He also carried a full line of gents' furnishing goods, and continued business in the 
Pine Tree State until 1850, when he was attacked by the gold fever and went to California, working in the mines 
in the northern part of that State for three years.  He was quite successful in his mining operations, and in 1853 
he returned home much richer than when he started.  He then resumed business in Maine, carrying on that enterprise 
until 1855 which year witnessed his arrival in Wautoma, where he has resided almost continuously since.  In company
with his brother, Benjamin F., he opened a general merchandise store, they carrying a very large stock and doing 
an extensive business until 1876, when Allen Trufant sold out and again went to California, where for two years he 
engaged in farming and fruit growing.  Disposing of his property in 1878, he purchased the store which he formerly 
owned and has now successfully carried on business for eleven years.  He is recognized as one of the leading 
merchants of the county, and the firm of Trufant & son has a wide reputation.

In political sentiment Mr. Trufant is a Democrat and one of the stalwart supporters of that party.  He has always 
steadily refused public office, although he feels a deep interest in political affairs, preferring to give his 
entire attention to his business and the pleasures of the home circle.  Socially, he is a Mason, member the Wautoma 
Lodge No.148, having been a member of that organization for many years.  He has labored long and earnestly for 
the upbuilding and advancement of the county, in which he has made his home for a third of a century, and has 
identified himself with its best interests.  Respected and esteemed by all with whom he has come in contact, 
none stand higher in the community than our subject, who is one of the honored settlers of Wautoma.

In the month of May, 1945, Mr. Trufant was united in marriage with Miss Delia A. Joy, a native of Winthrop, Me., 
and a daughter of Moses Joy.  She and one sister were the only members of the family that ever came to Wisconsin.  
After forty years of happy wedded life, on the 26th of March, 1885, she passed away and was laid to rest in the 
cemetery near Wautoma.  She was a devoted member of the Congregational Church, in which she was an active worker, 
and sincere was the grief expressed by her many friends when she was called home.  Mr. Trufant was again married 
in 1885 to Mrs. Diana S. Colby, widow of Mason S, Colby.  That estimable lady died in 1889.  There were three 
children born of the first marriage, Ella F., born in Winthrop, Me., is now the wife of A. H. Walker, a merchant 
of Wautoma, by whom she has one son, Elmer J.; Mary E. is the wife of Allen B. Burnham, a hardware merchant of 
Cedar Rapids, Neb., and they have two sons - Arthur and William.  Allen L., junior member of the firm of Trufant 
& Sons, completes the family.

Allen L. Trufant was born in Winthrop, Me., May 19, 1850, and when a lad was brought by his parents to this county.  
He received his literary education in the common schools, and his business instruction in his father's store, which 
he entered at the age of sixteen years as a salesman, continuing in that capacity until 1876, when he was admitted 
to partnership.  On the 26th of December, 1871, he led to the marriage altar Miss Attie E. Brown, a native of Lyman, 
Wis.  Two children graced their union - Stella F. and Mary B.  The mother died Jan. 14, 1881, and Mr. Trufant was 
again married in March, 1883, when Mrs. Elizabeth Beach became his wife.  Her maiden name was Newby, and she is a 
native of Canada.  By her former marriage she had one child. William H.  A daughter, Lena D., has been born of the 
second union.

The firm of Trufant & Son by their upright manner of dealing with the public has won the confidence of the entire 
community.  The senior member has been engaged in general merchandise in Wautoma for thirty-four years, and with 
his experience and knowledge of the business is now united the life and energy of the younger man, thus forming a 
combination which cannot but be successful.  Allen L., is a member of Wautoma Lodge A. F. & A. M., No. 148.
 





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