Following an illness and subsequent stroke of apoplexy, John Trumble passed away Saturday July 9, 1927, at the family home, corner Thornapple and Second Street.
The funeral service was held Tuesday from the house at 2 PM, Rev. George Tripp of South Park officiating.
Following is a tribute from a life-long friend, Mr. Frank B. Hayward:
John belonged to one of the old families of pioneers of St. Clair County. His grandfather, John Reece, was one of the first settlers of this county locating on the banks of Belle river in the Township of China on the farm where John was born and lived all his life and where suffered the stroke that caused his death.
John was a man of a very sociable nature; always had a smile and word for everyone that he came in contact with and was everybody’s friend, being a man well thought of and liked by all that knew him. His wide acquaintance was largely due to the fact that for the past 35 years he had been a servant for the people owning and operating threshing machines, saw mills, wood sawing machines, necessary for the cutting and harvesting of farm crops.
For years he was a second assistant marine engineer, later taking up the work that he liked so well and following this until his health gave way and he was compelled to retire from the business.
Thirty years ago, he was married to Miss Frances Schmoke of Casco Township, who survives him, and from this union nine children were born, namely: Ira, John, Frances, William, Myron, Lester, Mae, Lulu and Minnie, all living and unmarried with the exception of Ira, who died in infancy. Hi is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. Emma Lutes and Mrs. Charles Jerome, both of this city. Mrs. Mary Trumble, mother of John, died on the 6th day of January, 1926, and an only brother, Eugene, died on the firs day of January, 1927. He was very much attached to both mother and brother and he never recovered from the shock of their passing away. He was a great lover of his family and enjoyed nothing so much as to be at home surrounded by his loved ones.
He has left a large number of friends and acquaintances who will miss his ever ready smile and always ready hand to help in all ways that he could. He was a God-fearing man and always ready to help in all ways possible, Christianity and all that it stood for.
Good by, John, old pal, a true friend, indeed to everybody.