Henry E. Trilling

"HENRY TRILLING, a retired merchant and respectable pioneer citizen of Menasha, was born in Prussia, Germany, March 6, 1833, the son of Frederick and Francis Trilling. He remained in his native country until he reached the age of nineteen. Between the age of six and fourteen he attended school, and afterward learned the dyer's trade. In 1852 he accompanied his father, mother and other members of the family to America. On reaching this country they came directly to Wisconsin and made their home at Sheboygan. There his father became the owner of a grocery store and in this, Henry Trilling clerked about four years. Before the expiration of that period, he was married December 1, 1855, to Margaret Shubert. She was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 31, 1838, the daughter of John and Anna Shubert, with whom she came to America in 1844. In this country her father and mother were first located at Buffalo, N. Y.  A year later they moved to the Lake Superior region and resided at Copper Harbor and Eagle River; two years afterward removing to Sheboygan. 

In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Trilling came to Menasha, where they have made their home. Soon after coming here Mr. Trilling engaged in store keeping with an elder brother, and he continued mercantile pursuits exclusively until December, 1875, since when he has been interested in various other branches of business, including foundry and milling. In most of his business enterprises he has had good success, and he is now permitted to enjoy a retired life in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Trilling and wife have had nine children: Maggie F., Matilda F., Augusta L., Hermina J., Henry, Arthur J., Theodore W., Richard J., and Alvina M., of whom Augusta L., Arthur J. and Theodore W., are deceased. Mr. Trilling and wife are members of the Catholic church. He has been treasurer of Menasha two terms, has been a member of the council and is at present a member of the school board. Besides other property, he and wife have a pleasant home in Menasha, where they enjoy the happy fruits of a well-spent life, respected and esteemed by a large circle of friends."

source:  Randall, Geo. A. / Illustrated atlas of Winnebago County, Wisconsin : containing outline map of the county, map of each township in the county, with village and city plats. Also maps of the world, United States and state of Wisconsin, together with other valuable information (1889)

Among his other civic achievements, Henry Trilling was a beloved member of the library board.  Upon his passing in 1929 at the age of 95, the library provided the following testimonial: 

February 5, 1929 Oshkosh Northwestern