Born: Salem, Indiana, 1826.
Died: Rutland, Illinois, 1902.
Mr. Trowbridge became a Christian at the age of fifteen. Shortly after his marriage in 1851, he started, in a movers' wagon, across the wild prairies to the new home in Marshall County, Illinois. It was a little cottage on the unbroken sea of grass about five miles from Pattensburg, now Belleplain.
In his early ministry he did an extensive missionary work, preaching the gospel, as opportunity offered, in barns, dwellings, groves and schoolhouses. This work laid the foundation for a goodly number of churches. He was associated with the three brothers--Washington, Jefferson and John Houston--formerly so well known in Livingstone County, where they lived, labored, sang and preached for many years. The churches at Toluca, Rutland, Ancona, Minonk, Saunemin, Dana, Flanagan and Washburn are much indebted to him. In his earlier ministry he traveled and served churches within a radius of fifty miles of his home.
Mr. Trowbridge was a good business man, as well as an excellent minister. He gave liberally to missions and all good works. He was one of the early friends of Eureka College, and gave time and means for its support. His four children were educated there.
He was a broad-minded man, companionable in disposition, diligent in business, fervent in spirit, and always seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.