L. F. Tromly editor, publisher and proprietor of the Shawnee News, was born October 30, 1846, in Mount Vernon, Ill., and is the son of Michael and Jane (Bouton ) Tromly. The father, of French descent and born in 1800 in Vincennes, Ind., lived there until he lost his first wife, about 1832, then lived in Burlington, Iowa, where he married Jane Bouton November 19, 1835. After 1840, Mount Vernon, Ill., was his home. He was first a cabinet-maker, and then for thirty-five years a silver-smith. His father, Isaac Tromly, ran the first ferry at Vincennes.

He (Michael) died May 26, 1878. His second wife, born in New Jersey and reared in New York City, went to Burlington, Iowa, when a young lady. She died August 26, 1855.

Our subject, one of ten children, was educated at Mount Vernon, Ill, and since his fourteenth year was an apprenticed or journeyman printer until 1871 with the exception of eighteen months in the grocery business, the senior member of Tromly & Ellis, at Mount Vernon, Ill. After eight months as editor and publisher of the Mount Vernon News, he and his brother Theodore became its owners. It was the first successful Republican paper in the county. After three and a half years with this, Mr. Tromly sold out and retired from business for two years to recuperate his failing health, but in 1880 bought the Shawnee News, and is now sole owner and manager. A fearless Republican, his paper is quoted by the State press frequently.

Mr. Tromly's first teacher was "Bob" Ingersoll.

February 25, 1877, he married Miss Iva E. Phillips, born in Anna, Union Co., Ill., June 4, 1856. She is a member of the Christian Church. Their two children are

1. Herbert H. and
2. Mabel.

1887 History of Gallatin, Saline, Hamilton, Franklin and Williamson Counties, Illinois.
Chicago: Goodspeed Publishing Co., Pages 583-584
Submitted by Robert W. Loman