John Todd Trowbridge
Quick Facts
Biography
John Todd Trowbridge (October 23, 1780 – May 3, 1858) was an American sea captain, businessman, pioneer, and legislator.
Born in New Haven, Connecticut, Trowbridge was a sea captain. During the War of 1812, he was captured by the British and held prisoner in Calcutta, India, and then Dartmoor Prison in the United Kingdom. After the war, Trowbridge was released and went to Rochester, New York, where he owned a shipping business. In 1836, Trowbridge, his wife, and family moved to Wisconsin Territory, where they settled in present-day Dover, Wisconsin. There they built a log cabin that served as an inn. Trowbridge served as a justice of the peace. He was declared bankrupt in 1842. Trowbridge also served in the Wisconsin Territorial House of Representatives in 1843 and 1844. He ran for Racine County treasurer in 1851 as a Democrat. Trowbridge died in Dover, Wisconsin.