During the past decade this prominent citizen of Marseilles, LaSalle county, has been before the public continuously in official capacities, and has demonstrated beyond question his fitness as a representative of the people. A fearless champion of what he earnestly believes to be their rights, he presents his views in a concise manner, carrying conviction with him.
The Trowbridges originated in Scotland, but many generations have come and gone in America since the family was founded in the New World. The paternal grandfather of our subject was William Trowbridge. Sumner Trowbridge, the father, is still living, his home being in Delta, Fulton county, Ohio, where he was a pioneer and has passed the major portion of his life.
The birth of the Hon. Irving H. Trowbridge occurred March 16, 1849, on the old homestead near Delta. With the basis of a good common-school education, obtained in the village of Delta, and at Three Rivers, Michigan, he entered Adrian College, at Adrian, Michigan, where he pursued studies in the higher branches of learning. Then, returning to his native town, he found employment in the service of a local druggist, and within the ensuing five years thoroughly mastered the business. In 1876 he came to Marseilles, where he has since carried on a drug-store of his own.
In October, 1873, Mr. Trowbridge married Miss Ella Stall, of Delta, Ohio. She was a lady of amiable disposition and was loved by all who knew her. Six years ago, in June, 1893, the little household over whose comfort and happiness she presided with womanly grace, was called upon to mourn her loss, as she was summoned to the heavenly mansions. She left three promising- children - Leslie J., Ralph E., and Irene.
Though he has always taken an active interest in the election of the nominees of the Republican party and the triumph of its principles, Mr. Trowbridge had never aspired to public office and it was a matter of surprise to him when, in 1890, he was elected as a member of the board of county supervisors from Rutland township. He acted in that important position for six years, to the full satisfaction of the people, and upon his retirement from the office in 1896 he was nominated and elected to the legislature. While serving as a representative he was especially honored for a new member, as he was made chairman of the mines and mining committee, and served on the committees on education, license, civil service, drainage and waterways, and geology and science. In each of these committees he distinguished himself by his clear and comprehensive grasp of the questions involved, and his ready and practical solutions of difficulties presenting themselves. When his name came before the people for consideration at the time of the expiration of his first term, he was renominated, with small opposition, and in the fall of 1898 was duly re-elected. In the organization of the Forty-first General Assembly he was made chairman of the committee on education - one of the most important of the house committees - and was also a member of the steering committee, which is the body that shapes all legislation during the session. He was very successful in all legislation committed to his care by his constituents, some of which was of great importance. He has a wide acquaintanceship with the leading men of the day and possesses broad, liberal views upon all great public issues.
August 15, 1894, Mr. Trowbridge wedded Miss Rebekah S. Pomeroy, a daughter of Cyrus Pomeroy. of Marseilles, and two children have been born to them - Cyrus P. and Irving Harrison.
Extracted by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois published in 1900, volume 1, pages 124-125.
| Lee | DeKalb | Kane |
| Bureau |
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Kendall |
| Putnam | Grundy | |
| Marshall | Woodford | Livingston |
