Brief Life Sketch

Elizabeth Lennox Trimble was born on May 9, 1816, in Aikton, Cumberland, England, the daughter of William Lennox and Elizabeth Sanderson Lennox. On August 24, 1839, she married Edward Trimble, and together they raised eight children: Mary, William, Susan, John, Robison, Jefferson, Joseph, and Mary Elizabeth. A talented dressmaker, Elizabeth helped provide for her family through her sewing. In 1855, she and her husband accepted the restored gospel and were baptized by Elder David Wilson in the Carlisle Conference. Their faith became the guiding influence of their lives as they worked and sacrificed for nearly a decade to gather with the Saints in America.

In April 1865, Elizabeth and her family left England aboard the Belle Wood and sailed to America. After arriving in New York shortly after the Civil War ended, they endured difficult travel westward in dirty cattle cars. Although they had carefully prepared for the journey and brought clothing and supplies from England, their clothing was stolen along the way. Great sorrow came to the family in Nebraska when their nine-year-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth, died of black smallpox and was buried in the pioneer cemetery there. Continuing west despite their grief, the family reached Utah in 1865 and were assigned to settle in Fillmore. Their first home was a dugout, but Elizabeth's industry and determination soon transformed it into a comfortable and welcoming place. Later, when they built a brick home, she became known for keeping one of the neatest and most orderly homes in Fillmore.

Elizabeth was remembered as a woman of deep faith, kindness, and refinement. A gracious hostess, she welcomed family, friends, and neighbors into her home and never permitted gossip or slander to be spoken there. Widely known as a gentle peacemaker, she uplifted those around her through her example and quiet influence. After nearly fifty-eight years of marriage, she suffered a fall that dislocated her hip and was confined to her bed for several months. As her life drew to a close, those caring for her felt that she had finished her earthly work and desired to depart. Shortly before her passing on March 8, 1896, she appeared to be communing with loved ones beyond the veil and gave intelligent responses to those who tenderly ministered to her. She left behind a legacy of faith, charity, and devotion that blessed her family and community for generations.