10/16/2026
October Pioneer Spotlight: Jacques Henri Tron
Today, we continue our October Pioneer Spotlight series by remembering Jacques Henri Tron, one of the original settlers who helped establish the town of Valdese.
Jacques Henri Tron was born on December 21, 1848, in Balsille, Massel, Italy. He passed away on November 16, 1907, in White Pine, Tennessee.
In 1893, Jacques Henri was among the first emigrants from the Waldensian valleys of northwest Italy to make the journey to the United States and settle on land designated for the colony in Burke County, North Carolina. The group traveled aboard the SS Zaandam to New York before continuing by rail to their destination, arriving on May 29, 1893.
His wife arrived later, on August 23, 1893, with their daughter, Esther, and sons Emmanuel and Benjamin. Sadly, their son Benjamin passed away on October 19, 1893. Another son, also named Benjamin, and a daughter, Mary Louise, were later born in Valdese.
The Tron family eventually relocated to White Pine, Tennessee, where they made their home. Despite the move, their connection to Valdese remained part of their family’s story, and the family burial plot is located in the Waldensian Cemetery.
Jacques Henri played an important role in the early development of the colony. He was appointed as one of the master masons during the construction of the Waldensian church. He also helped build the community’s first communal oven, where residents could bake their bread, and served on the colony’s Board of Directors.
From helping build the church to contributing to the everyday life and leadership of the growing community, Jacques Henri Tron helped lay the foundation for the town we know and love today.
Join us throughout October as we continue remembering the men and women whose courage, hard work, and determination helped establish Valdese. Their stories are an important part of our shared history and heritage.
