WILLIAM ALLEN TRIMBLE. UNITED STATES SENATOR FROM OHIO. MARY MCARTHUR THOMPSON TUTTLE. A woman's way of writing History, differs essentially from the conventional style and methods approved by great historians. It is well that this is so, for the student of history obtains thus now and then, a lighter, more transparent atmosphere; a more sympathetic view of a life, than could be presented by the massive outlines of the great scholars, who strive for the philosophy of life as well as the presentation of facts. Several years ago while in Washington City visiting, we were taken by our kind hostess to the National Cemetery as we had expressed a wish to find the grave of our great uncle, William Allen Trimble. It was found to be near the entrance marked by a generously proportioned gray slab, whether supported by a low brick foundation or four short pedestals, we cannot now recall. The inscription was still clear and easily read as clear as the inscription we find to-day in the old Trimble Bible, written by Jane Allen Trimble, the noble pioneer mother of this worthy son. She wrote in honest Continental chirography "William A. Trimble, born April 4th, 1786, departed this life on the 12th day of December, 1821, at the City of Washington. His death was occasioned by a wound. he received in the lungs during the late war from which he never recovered. He was in the 36th year of his age." Just above one reads in this same record in the same hand writing, "James Trimble, our honored and beloved husband died on the Lord's day at 1 o'clock October 14th, 1804." Captain James Trimble, father of William Allen Trimble, had been a soldier of the Virginia line in 1776, who, after the Revolutionary war removed to Kentucky and settled in Woodford county in 1784. He had participated in the battle of Point Pleasant, Vol. XIV.-15. (225) (1774), and was a captain in the Revolutionary war. His father, John Trimble, was killed in the Mountains of Virginia by the Indians. John Trimble with three brothers emigrated from the north of Ireland to America in the early part of the 17th century. Their ancestors were of Scotch descent, disciples of the great reformer, John Knox. This John Trimble settled in Virginia, the other brothers in Pennsylvania. The ancestors were of Scotch-Irish descent also on the maternal side, Allens, Anderson, Christies; Trimble, Trumbull, Turnbull and Pringle, on the father's side.* The parents of William Allen Trimble lived near Staunton until 1784, when, as we have stated, they removed to Kentucky where they liberated their slaves. The woman who inscribed so carefully in her Bible the inevitable facts of her family history, was the oldest daughter of James and Peggy Allen. Her father had two brothers, John, the eldest was in the Virginia regiment that marched under General Washington in 1758, against the French and Indians, at Fort Duquesne, now Fort Pitt. In the battle called "Grant's Defeat," fought near this place, John Allen was killed. Hugh Allen the younger brother, fell at the bloody battle fought at the mouth of the Great Kanawha, now Point Pleasant. The Virginia detachment was led by General Lewis, and the Wyandot Indians, by that celebrated warrior, Cornstalk. She thus knew how much fortitude, energy, and endurance, how much industry and economy the life the pioneers had undertaken, required; and as one of a party of five hundred emigrants, from Virginia and North Carolina to Kentucky, she consented to travel on horseback, with one child wrapped in homespun blanket, clasped in her arms and another placed on a "pillion" holding fast to her waist, Mrs. Erwin carried two negro children in a wallet thrown over her horse. These were washed away by the force of the current in Clinch river. Mrs. Trimble now in the midst of this "deep and dashing" stream; showed a decision which characterized her and her family. She turned her horse, but gave him the rein, * The motto on the coat of arms is Servavi Regem - heads of animals and helmet. A young Yeoman turned the head of the animal who was about to gore the King. — Turnbull. |