This well known citizen of Troy is a son of Abner and Sally Trowbridge, of Painted Post, Steuben county, New York. His mother's maiden name was Castaline, an English family. The ancestry of the Trowbridges is traceable to three brothere of that name, who came from Holland to America at an early day, and settled in New York and New Jersey.

The subject of this sketch is one of a family of nine children, and was born January 27, 1806. His educational privileges were limited to the common schools, which he was permitted to attend when his services were not required on the farm. He led the life of a farmer, in New York, until September, 1831, when he resolved to go to Michigan to seek his fortune in its wilds. Arriving at Detroit on the 20th of that month, he at once proceeded to Troy Corners, in which vicinity he has resided ever since. He now entered the store of E. W. Peck, where he served as a clerk several years, but always having a strong desire to return to the farm.

On the 27th of Fabruary, 1836, he married Rhoda M., daughter of George Postal, of Avon township. Mrs. Trowbridge was born November 9, 1815, at Herrington, New York, and came with her parents to Michigan in 1817. After living in Detroit two years they moved to Avon, Oakland County, being among the first setters of the county. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Trowbridge purchased a farm on section 2, which he has improved and where he now resides. Here they had born unto them a family of eight children, five of whom live to bless the aged couple who so wisely counseled and directed them to become useful men and women.

Sarah C, born May 28, 1837; married John Frank. Charles P., born January 22, 1839; died August 2, 1839. Lucy P., born October 29, 1841; died September 8, 1842; James H., born January 10, 1843,. George W., born January 6, 1845. Frankie E., born July 8, 1847; died January 8, 1850. Ida M., born November 6, 1849 ; now Mrs. Samuel Butler. Ella J., born January 11, 1853.

Mr. and Mrs. Trowbridge are members of the Presbyterian church, and were connected with the society at Troy Corners until its dissolution. Although not an active politician, Mr. Trowbridge has taken a deep interest in the vital questions of our government. Casting his maiden vote for General Jackson, he was a stanch Democrat until the Free Soil movement ; then was one of the first in the town to act with that party. When the Republican party was organized he became a member of that body, and has since acted with it, although conservative in his views, and earnestly desiring the union of the North and the South.