GEORGE TROTTER is widely and favorably known throughout Buckeye Township as one of its earliest settlers and most highly esteemed citizens. He came to Northern Illinois during the pioneer days, and has watched with deep interest the development of its resources, while at the same time contributing his share toward bringing it to its present condition. He first opened his eyes to the light in Bourbon County, Ky., June 13, 1809, whence he emigrated with his father’s family, in 1826, making the journey overland and locating five miles east of Springfield. In 1826, he became a resident of this county, and since that time has been closely identified with its agricultural interests.

James Trotter, the father of our subject, was born in Virginia, in 1770, and was descended from excellent Scottish ancestry. His father was born in the Highlands, it is believed, whence he emigrated to this country in the Colonial days. He first located in Virginia, but removed to Kentucky previous to 1800, being among the earliest settlers of Bourbon County. He purchased a tract of timber land which he converted into a good farm, and also put up a small mill, the first of its kind in that section, and which was highly prized by the settlers. He spent his last days in Bourbon County.

The father of our subject was reared in Virginia, and after the removal of the family to Kentucky, was married in Bourbon County, to Miss Elizabeth Kenney, and settled on a part of the land which his father before him had purchased. He put up a log house in which the subject of this sketch was born, and remained there until 1826. Then, emigrating to this State, he entered a tract of Government land five miles east of Springfield, from which he built up a good homestead and died there in 1839. George, of our sketch, was seventeen years of age when his parents came to Illinois. Five years later, in company with others, he started on foot for the lead mines of Wisconsin. There he was employed as a clerk three months, and worked in a smelting furnace at $15 per month. Afterward he returned to Sangamon County, Ill., and in 1832, volunteered as a soldier in the Black Hawk War, under the command of Gen. James D. Henry. He was in battle on the banks of the Wisconsin River and also at the mouth of Bad Axe. After the close of this struggle he resumed farming in Sangamon County, until the spring of 1836. In the meantime he had been married, and now, accompanied by his wife and two children, started out again for the State of Wisconsin. His outfit consisted of a pair of horses, a yoke of steers and a wagon. Into the latter where loaded the household goods and provisions, and as there were no hotels along the route, they camped out and cooked by the wayside and slept in the wagon at night. They spent the following summer at Honey Creek, Wis., but Mr. Trotter, not being satisfied with the outlook in that section, determined to try his fortunes on the soil of Northern Illinois, and accordingly located on a tract of land which is now included in his present homestead. The land was not yet subdivided but he put up a log house and made himself and family as comfortable as possible. He had no money to enter the land but held it as a claim for seven years following, and was then enabled to secure a title. The nearest market for farm produce, and depot for supplies, was at Galena, forty miles distant. Deer and wild turkeys were plentiful, however, and when the family wanted fresh meat Mr. Trotter had only to shoulder his gun and go a little way from his cabin door. He once killed two deer at one shot, and himself and neighbors were supplied with venison for some time.

The marriage of George Trotter and Miss Sarah Chilton took place at the home of the bride in Sangamon County, Ill., March 24, 1833. Mrs. Trotter was born in Madison County, Ill., Dec. 19, 1816. Her father, William Chilton, a native of Virginia, removed from there to Tennessee and subsequently to the then Territory of Illinois. He served three and one-half years in the War of 1812, and was one of the earliest pioneers of Madison County, this State. Later he crossed the Mississippi into Missouri, where his death took place near Barnard, about 1872. The mother died at Larno, Wis., in 1852. The seven living children of Mr. and Mrs. Trotter are located as follows: Thomas in Kansas; James in Missouri; William at Polo, Ill.; Millard and John on the old homestead; Elizabeth, Mrs. Van Metre, in Oneco Township, and Urania in Polo. Our subject was reared a Presbyterian and Mrs. Trotter is connected with the United Brethren Church. Mr. Trotter cast his first Presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, but of late years has affiliated with the Republican party. As one of the honored pioneers of Stephenson County, and a man worthy of all respect and deference, Mr. Trotter stands among the most worthy of his compeers, and is looked upon as a gentleman of large experience and one who has made much of his opportunities in life. He is of that kindly and genial disposition which has attached to him many warm friends, and will be remembered years hence as one of the most valued citizens of Stephenson County.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 340