Charles Trupp, contractor, builder and manufacturer, Tippecanoe City; one of the well-established business men of Tippecanoe; was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1833, and is the son of George and Caroline Trupp, both now deceased. George was a contractor and builder, and carried on the business quite extensively. Our subject was educated in the common schools of his native country and from the age of 16 to 18 he took a thorough course in architecture, having, outside of this obtained valuable experience and instruction in his profession, under the direction of his father; at the age of 18, he immigrated to this country, landing in New York City, April 7, 1851, where he engaged at carpentering for one year; he then came direct to Tippecanoe, and followed his occupation for four years, and the three subsequent years had charge of the machinery in Chaffee's distillery; he then began contracting and building, which he continued until the outbreak of the late rebellion, when he responded Lincoln's first call for troops, enlisting in the 10th, O. V. I., and in 1862 in the 94th O. V. I., in which regiment he served till the close of the war, participating in the battles of Perryville, Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Atlanta campaign and with Sherman in his March to the sea, sharing in all the hardships of that Journey. After his discharge, he returned to Tippecanoe and purchased a one-third interest in the sash and blind factory with which he has been connected, and since 1867 as the principal member of the firm. Since 1877, the firm has been known under the style of Trupp, Weakley & Co. (see card in directory). Their firm is the largest of the kind on the D. & M. R. R. from Dayton to Toledo, and by, their integrity and careful attention to business, they have built up a large and increasing trade, and enjoy the reputation of being first-class workmen. Mr. Trupp is the largest established manufacturer of Tippecanoe, and one of its most enterprising men, he is found identified with whatever pertains to the welfare of the community. He is a Republican in politics, and has had his share of offices of honor and trust; has been a member of the Town Council for twelve years, was Township Trustee for five years, has been for five years a member of City School Board, a member of band since its organization in 1858, and is Chief of the Fire Department. He is a member of the following orders: A. F.& A. M., I. O. O. F. and D. O. H. Mr. Trupp has been twice married, first, in 1853, to Caroline Barth, of Germany, who died in 1864, leaving two sons and one daughter, one son, Herman, died after reaching manhood. His second marriage was with Clara Falke, of Montgomery Co., in 1865, to whom have been born one son and two daughters.