History of the Trumbulls
The Ann & Edward Trumbull Charitable Trust was created upon the passing of Ann Trumbull in 2013 and was made possible by the successful operations of the Marshall County business, Trumbull River Services. It was Ann's passion for her Marshall County community that led her to establish this perpetual trust supporting future generations who will make our community stronger.
Ed Trumbull Jr.
Ed Trumbull Jr. was born in New York City on October 11, 1924 to Edward Sr., a famous New York Muralist, and Sarah Trumbull Sr. Edward Sr. created murals in Grand Central Station in 1927 and on the ceiling of the Chrysler Building in 1930. It was entitled "Transport and Human Endeavor" and at the time was the largest painting ever.
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Ed Jr. grew up in New York City and Vermont. Ed graduated from Alan Stevenson School and from Loomis School in Connecticut. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Connecticut and a master's degree from New York University. It was at the University of Connecticut that he met Ann.
Ann O'Donnell Trumbull
Ann O'Donnell Trumbull was born in St. Albans Vermont on February 28, 1924 to John Edward and Helen O'Donnell. After graduating high school, Ann joined the United States Naval Reserves, better known as WAVES. After completing her service in WWII, she enrolled at the University of Connecticut. She received both a bachelor's degree and PH. D of Art. She then became one of the first women English professors at the university.
After They Met
Ann and Ed married on December 26, 1955 in Starrs. Connecticut. Early in their life together, Ed was a purchasing agent in the paper industry, and Ann was an English professor. Ann and Ed both had a strong interest in art and music. They spent a lot of time in New York City in the Jazz Districts of Greenwich Village and Hell's Kitchen. It was there that Ed played with some of the greatest jazz musicians of that era.
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In the mid 60's, his job required him to move to St. Louis, and after a few years there, Ed began looking for new opportunities. In the early 70's, he saw an advertisement for a Barge Service in Lacon, IL. He purchased the company and renamed it "Trumbull River and Fleeting Services". He then expanded it to include a fleeting service as well. Ed managed his business for over 30 years until his death in 2006. Ann passed away in 2013. Trumbull River and Fleeting Services continues to operate today.
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It was from the profitable operations of this business that the Ann and Edward Trumbull Charitable Trust was created.
