Governor Jonathan Trumbull (1710-1785)
Governor Trumbull & the war office Governor Jonathan Trumbull (1710-1785) of Lebanon served Connecticut as its last colonial governor (1769-1776) and as its first state governor (1776-1784). A merchant turned politician, Trumbull led an often-divided state in its opposition to British rule and participation in the American Revolution. He turned his home farm into a center of government and recruited friends, neighbors, and family members to assist with the war effort.
War O ffice
in the 19 th C entury IN 1824 THE TRUMBULL House and War Office were moved about 500 feet north to accommodate a new house on the original corner lot. The War Office was moved again in 1844 to its current location. Throughout much of the 19th century, the War Office was used as a store and post office, before it was converted to a rental home. Concerned for its long-term preservation, its owner Bethiah Wattles offered the War Office to the town, which declined the gift. Mrs. Wattles then donated it and a small plot of land to the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1891. The SAR restored the building including constructing a new chimney. From 1897 to 1922, the building was rented to the Town for use as a public library. The SAR undertook a second restoration in 1987-8 and anticipates further renovation in coming years. War Off ice prior to 1890 restoration. Illustration from The Lebanon War Office, Jonathan Trumbull, ed. Published 1891 by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
War Off ice ca. 1850. Illustration from Benson J. Lossing’s Pictorial Field Book of the American Revolution, Vol. 1
Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, by George F. Wright (1828-1881). Copy of a portrait by John Trumbull, the governor’s son. Museum of Connecticut History
AS A WAR GOVERNOR, Trumbull organized and led Connecticut’s efforts to provide men and supplies for the Continental Army while protecting the state from attack. General Washington and other national leaders recognized Trumbull’s efforts and Connecticut’s contributions. By late in the War, however, the devaluing of continental currency, debates over pensions, and his growing lack of popularity caused Trumbull not to run for another term. He died of a stroke a year later.
“A long and well spent life in the service of his country justly entitled him to the first place among patriots” G. WASHINGTON
Sketch and woodcut by John Warner Barber for Views of Connecticut Towns, 1834-1836. Connecticut Historical Society
War O ffice
in the 19 th C entury IN 1824 THE TRUMBULL House and War Office were moved about 500 feet north to accommodate a new house on the original corner lot. The War Office was moved again in 1844 to its current location. Throughout much of the 19th century, the War Office was used as a store and post office, before it was converted to a rental home. Concerned for its long-term preservation, its owner Bethiah Wattles offered the War Office to the town, which declined the gift. Mrs. Wattles then donated it and a small plot of land to the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution in 1891. The SAR restored the building including constructing a new chimney. From 1897 to 1922, the building was rented to the Town for use as a public library. The SAR undertook a second restoration in 1987-8 and anticipates further renovation in coming years. War Off ice prior to 1890 restoration. Illustration from The Lebanon War Office, Jonathan Trumbull, ed. Published 1891 by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution
War Off ice ca. 1850. Illustration from Benson J. Lossing’s Pictorial Field Book of the American Revolution, Vol. 1
Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, by George F. Wright (1828-1881). Copy of a portrait by John Trumbull, the governor’s son. Museum of Connecticut History
AS A WAR GOVERNOR, Trumbull organized and led Connecticut’s efforts to provide men and supplies for the Continental Army while protecting the state from attack. General Washington and other national leaders recognized Trumbull’s efforts and Connecticut’s contributions. By late in the War, however, the devaluing of continental currency, debates over pensions, and his growing lack of popularity caused Trumbull not to run for another term. He died of a stroke a year later.
“A long and well spent life in the service of his country justly entitled him to the first place among patriots” G. WASHINGTON
Sketch and woodcut by John Warner Barber for Views of Connecticut Towns, 1834-1836. Connecticut Historical Society
