Dr. James Trimble (died 1885) was a member of Victoria Lodge No. 1 and Victoria-Columbia Lodge No. 1 in Victoria. He was a physician who served as Mayor of Victoria from 1868-1870 and as Speaker in the colonial Legislature.
Here is the local newspaper report of his death in January 1885:
“The Late Dr. Trimble
There is but one expression, that of regret, at the somewhat unexpected demise of Dr. Trimble. The deceased gentleman in early life was a surgeon in the British navy, and having resigned his commission came to California in 1849. He was a successful physician there until 1858 when he came to Victoria. In 1861 he was elected to represent Metchosin district in the legislature by the then colony of Vancouver Island. Afterwards he was mayor of the city for two terms. Of the two provincial parliaments after confederation he was speaker. In 1878, when seeking re-election, he was defeated. Since that period he has devoted himself to the practice of his profession, of which he was a leading member. He was confined to his room only nine days prior to his death by gangrene, which attacked his foot; but the immediate cause of decease was heart disease. His end was peaceful. A few moments before the dark shadow de¬scended he remarked to Mr. Elliott, who sat by his side, that he felt much better, and would go to sleep. He took Mr. Elliott’s hand in his and turned over on his side, wishing as he did so his devoted friend “good night !” It was his last “good night” on earth, for in a few mo¬ments the grasp of his hand relaxed, and his breathing stopped. Mr. Elliott then discovered that the good old doctor’s heart had ceased to beat, lie had crossed the Dark River even when he fancied ho was farthest from its brink, and while the night air was laden with the din of the merry-makers who were welcoming the new-born year I Dr. Trimble was a man of fine presence and courtly manners; charitable to a fault, he was also capable of the warmest attachments, and a friend once made he never lust. His professional services were always at the command of the poor, and a legion of children who have been ushered into the world under his fostering care. Dr. Trimble, who was- aged about sixty-seven years, was a native of Tyrone, Ireland. The funeral will take place to-day, from St. Andrew’s Church, and will be attended by the Pioneer Society and citizens generally.”
(Source: Colonist, 3 January 1885, page 3)
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