By: Trevor Loudon
New Zeal
Yesterday’s birthday reminded me of a very special present I was given while I was in California late last year.
My hosts gave me a family heirloom – a summons, for seven pounds and ten shillings, dated July 26, 1746, signed by ancestor Jonathan Trumble of Lebanon, Connecticut.
Jonathan Trumbull (the spelling was changed for unknown reasons) later became Governor of Connecticut.
He was one of the few Americans who served as governor in both a pre-Revolutionary colony and a post-Revolutionary state. During the American Revolution he was the only colonial governor who supported the American side.
Jonathan Trumbull was a close friend of George Washington’s and managed a good bit of the Continental Army’s logistics and supply. Washington referred to him as “Brother Jonathan.”
This document is now my family heirloom. It will be passed to my children as a symbol of the generosity and the love of freedom of the American people and the leadership they have given the free world.
Thank you.
