New Notables Museum Display Recognizes Trenton Principal, Civic Leader, Preservation Advocate

Gabe Stark
Reporter

The Grundy County Museum has opened a new group of summer exhibits as part of its annual “Notables of Grundy County” display.

The exhibit features five former Grundy County residents whose lives, work and service left a lasting impact locally and beyond. Each display uses photographs, historical information and other materials to help tell the story of the person being recognized.

One of this year’s featured displays honors Mabel C. Burrill, a lifelong Trenton resident whose work in education and historic preservation left a lasting mark on the community.

The exhibits are expected to remain on display through October. Admission to the Grundy County Museum is free.

Early life & career

Burrill was born June 17, 1894, in Trenton to Fred D. Burrill and Lillie C. Burrill. Her father was a farmer and former deputy collector of internal revenue. She grew up in a home that valued education, service and faith, along with her sister, Nellie R. Burrill, brother, Forest C. Burrill, and cousin, Harry Burrill.

After graduating from Trenton High School in 1911, Burrill pursued higher education at a time when fewer women had that opportunity. She completed teacher training through the Trenton High School superintendent, earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri through summer sessions, extension schools and teacher-to-student correspondence, and later earned a master’s degree from Columbia University in New York.

Burrill dedicated 43 years to Trenton’s public schools. For 32 of those years, she served as principal of Central Middle School. She also taught history, civics and Latin in the old Central School and continued teaching during difficult periods, including two years in a church basement while the school was being rebuilt.

The museum display describes Burrill as strong, fair and compassionate. She worked with students, mentored faculty and believed education was about character, citizenship and community as well as classroom lessons.

Outside of school

Outside school, Burrill was involved in civic and church life. She served as secretary of the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, became the first secretary of the Grundy County Historical Society in 1976 and was a dedicated member of First Christian Church of Trenton.

Her commitment to history helped support preservation efforts in Grundy County. In 1969, after retiring from education, she approached KTTN owner Marvin Luehrs about restarting a historical society in the county. The society was later formed, and Burrill remained involved for several years.

Burrill died Feb. 3, 1985, at age 90 and was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Trenton.