TRUMBULE, Edward N.
Commemorative and Biographical Record of Columbia, Sauk and Adams Counties, 
WI. Chicago: Ogle, 1901, p 528-529

Edward N. TRUMBULE, the genial proprietor of the North Freedom Hotel, Sauk 
County, WI, and an honored veteran of the Civil war, comes from a family that 
through many generations has been celebrated for its loyalty. His 
grandfather, John TRUMBULE, came to this country from Ireland in 1773, and as 
a British soldier served for two years. After receiving his discharge he 
enlisted in the patriot army in the Revolution and aided in the defense of 
the colonies until their liberty was secured, winning the rank of major by 
meritorious conduct. After the war he located in CT, where he married. He 
was a tanner and currier by trade. His son, Ebenezer TRUMBULE, father of our 
subject, was born in CT and when a young man removed to NY. He established 
and operated a tannery in Ellisburg, Jefferson County [NY]. For a number of 
years he served as captain in the U. S. army, taking part in the war of 1812. 
He was wounded at Sackett Harbor [Sacketts Harbor], and after the war he had 
command of the fort at that place for about 30 years. During the Mexican war 
he accompanied General Scott's army to the city of Mexico on detached 
service. In the spring of 1849 he was placed on the retired list, and came 
to WI, locating at Lake Koshkonong [Jefferson County]. Later he engaged in 
farming at Lemonweir, Juneau County, where he died in Apr 1853, at the age of 
78. In politics he was a Whig. His wife bore the maiden name of Jane 
TEMPLE, and was born in Leatherville, Montgomery County, NY, where her 
father, Richard TEMPLE, a native of Holland, followed farming. Her death 
occurred in Lemonweir [Juneau County, WI] in 1870 at age 68.

Edward Nelson TRUMBULE, the subject of this review, was born in Schenectady, 
Montgomery County, NY, 17 Sep 1842, and came to WI with her parents when 
seven years of age. He pursued his education in the country schools during a 
few winter terms, and at the first call for volunteers he enlisted 14 Apr 
1861 at Mauston [Juneau County, WI], in Company K, 6th WI Infantry, with the 
"Lemonweir Minute Men." On the expiration of the 36-month term, he 
re-enlisted in Company F, 16th WI Infantry, and was wounded in the right hand 
and hip at Pittsburg Landing, which necessitated his discharge, 14 Nov 1862. 
On 01 May 1863 he re-enlisted in Company K, 6th WI Regiment, which formed at 
part of the "Iron Brigade." On 08 Apr 1865 he was wounded at [p 529] 
Spottsylvania in the left leg, and remained in the Emergency Hospital in 
Washington until discharged on 25 Jun 1865. He participated in 25 important 
engagements, including the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the 7-days battle of the Wilderness, Cold 
Harbor, the siege of Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, Dunby's Mill, Gravelly Run, 
Five Forks and Appomattox. Throughout his service he was ever loyal and 
brave and was frequently called upon to perform special duty involving 
considerable danger and responsibility. At Gettysburg he was sent in charge 
of several wagonloads of ammunition to replenish a battery, to reach which it 
was necessary to cross an open field exposed to the enemy's fire. Several of 
the mules attached to the wagon were killed, but he reached the battery in 
safety.

In 1866 Mr. TRUMBULE began farming in the town of Freedom, Sauk County, and 
since 1880 has lived in the village of North Freedom. For a number of years 
he conducted a livery stable, but since 1888 has engaged in the hotel 
business. He was proprietor of the Hackett House for several years, but 
since 1896 has been widely known as the genial and obliging host of the North 
Freedom Hotel, which he is successfully conducting, furnishing first-class 
entertainment for his guests.

On 17 May 1867 Mr. TRUMBULE was united in marriage to Miss Mary WADDELL, 
daugher of James and Betsey A. WADDELL, of the town of Freedom [Sauk County, 
WI]. Only one child has been born to our subject and his wife, Edward James, 
and he died at the age of two years. They have many warm friends in the 
community and are widely and favorably known. Mr. TRUMBULE has always upheld 
the policy of the Republican party, and has served in several local postions, 
having filled the offices of police justice, marshal, and street commissioner 
in the town of Freedom in a most acceptable manner. In business he is 
honorable and upright in his dealings, and he enjoys the confidence and good 
will of all with whom he comes in contact.

Contributed by Cathy Kubly