CHARLES DE WITT TRUMBULL

TRUMBULL, DUNBAR, TRUE, SPROULL

Posted By: volunteer
Date: 3/7/2009 at 18:56:38

CHARLES DE WITT TRUMBULL pastor of the Reformed Presbeterian Church at Morning Sun, Iowa, is a native of East Craftsbury, Orleans Co., Vt., born April 4, 1837, and is a son of John K. and Laura (Dunbar) Trumbull, both of whom were natives of the same state, the former born Sept, 1 5, 1800, the latter. March 17, 1811. In 1841 the family removed from Craftsbury. Vt., to Georgcville, Canada, and thence to Logan County, Ohio, in 1851. John Trumbull was a farmer by occupation, and was one of the first to espouse the cause of the slave, being never afraid of the term abolitionist as applied to himself. For years his house was a station on the famous "underground railroad" and many a poor negro, escaping from bondage, found there a place of rest, and was assisted by Mr. Trumbull on his way to freedom. The family consisted of four children: Charles D., the subject of this sketch; Augustus G., senior partner of Trumbull, Reynolds & Allen, dealers in agricultural implements, of Kansas City, Mo.; Helen M., wife of James F. True, a resident of Newman, Jefferson Co, Kan.; and James S., who died Aug. 18, 1880, at the age of thirty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Trumbull were members of the Covenanter Church, and gave liberally toward its support. The former died in Logan County, Ohio, in August, 1874, the latter in August, 1876.

While yet residing in Canada the subject of this sketch attended the common schools, and on the removal to Northwood, Logan Co., Ohio, entered Geneva College, where he remained until his senior year. It was for the purpose of giving his children good educations that Mr. Trumbull removed to Northwood, the college there being under the control of the Covenanter Church, and the teachers all competent instructors. Leaving Geneva College, he entered Jefferson College at Cannonsburg, Pa., from which institution he was graduated in 1858. For the two succeeding years Mr. Trumbull was employed as a teacher and assistant principal of Geneva College. While yet engaged in teaching, having an earnest desire to enter the ministry, he began the study of theology, reciting privately to his pastor, Rev. William Milroy. In November, 1860, he entered the theological seminary of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in Allegheny, Pa., finishing the course in March, 1863, and was licensed to preach by the Lakes Presbytery on the 21st of April, 1863. He began pastoral work at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, of Lind Grove, Des Moines Co., Iowa, being ordained by the Iowa Presbytery on the 29th of January, 1864. For a period of eleven years he ministered to that congregation, but April 1, 1874. resigned, accepted a call, and was installed as pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Morning Sun, on the 14th of the same month, and has since been in charge of the work at this place. When he was installed as pastor, the membership of the church was but forty-six, since which time there have been added 207 members, 133 of whom have either died or moved away, leaving the present membership 120.

While pursuing his studies in the theological school in Allegheny, Mr. Trumbull formed the acquaintance of Miss Mary Sproull, the daughter of Thomas Sproull, D.D. and LL. D., then Professor of Theology, with whom he was united in marriage June 8, 1864. Their union has been blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters—Thomas S., Laura A., Lena W., Mary H., John C. and Lois A.

In addition to his ministerial labors Mr. Trumbull has been an occasional contributor to the various publications of the church, several of his sermons being found in the church magazines. He has also contributed a number of articles of historical value, and as Chairman of several boards and committees he has rendered efficient service. In 1878 he was unanimously elected Moderator of the Synod, the highest court of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Few men enjoy the respect and confidence [of the people, both as a minister and citizen, more than Rev. C. D. Trumbull. For a quarter of a century he has been pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Morning Sun, and its sister church at Lind Grove, and it is not to be wondered at that in that time he has made many warm friends, both in and out of the Church, many of whom he has brought into the Kingdom.
Source: Portrait and Biographical Album 1885