CHAPTER I

ANCESTRY AND EARLY LIFE

The Trumbulls from Newcastle-on-Tyne, England--Most illustrious family in Colony of Connecticut--Lyman Trumbull born and educated at Colchester--Begins his career as school-teacher in Georgia in 1833--Studies law there in office of Hiram Warner--In 1837 makes a journey on horseback to Shawneetown, Illinois--Begins practice of law in office of Governor Reynolds at Belleville--"Riding on the circuit" in the early days--In a letter to his father describes the killing of Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy at Alton--Elected to the legislature from St. Clair County in 1840--Appointed secretary of state in 1841 by Governor Carlin--Removed from office in 1843 by Governor Ford--Political disturbance in consequence--Belleville in 1842--Marriage of Trumbull and Miss Julia Jayne--Their wedding journey--Political campaign of 1848--Trumbull fails of nomination for governor--Is elected judge of the supreme court in 1848--Removes his residence to Alton--Reëlected as judge in 1852, but resigns in the following year. 1