November 17, 2015: Today, the George C. Trimble Collection, owned by Linda Cunningham Fluharty, was donated to the West Virginia State Archives, with the hope that it will be displayed, at times, at Independence Hall in Wheeling. The main items in the collection were Trimble's large, oval image, his Confederate-style beltplate/belt, his inscribed canteen with bullet hole, his cap box, a diary from the 3-month campaign, numerous letters written by important Civil War figures.

     Few things in life generate more anguish, anger and frustration than being unjustly accused of wrongdoing. But, according to Major George C. Trimble of the Eleventh West Virginia Infantry, that’s what happened to him.
     Trimble, previously a captain in the First West Virginia Infantry, had the potential to be a great leader in the Civil War. Instead, he was "dismissed the service," along with his superior, Colonel John Castelli Rathbone, for cowardly conduct in surrendering their command at Spencer Court House, Roane County, (West) Virginia on September 2, 1862.
     This is a biography of Major Trimble, a Wheeling, West Virginia officer, with high ideals and the noblest intentions, entirely dedicated to the Union cause. It is also about a collection of Trimble’s personal items, some rare and valuable, and about his family, friends and associates, particularly millionaire oilman, Colonel John Castelli Rathbone, of Wirt and Wood Counties, West Virginia.
     Major Trimble’s life, in general, was profoundly sad. The dishonorable discharge surely resulted in the death of his expectations - yet, he managed to continue his life and work in Wheeling, as he persevered to clear his name.