User-submitted Reference

This name originates in Italy. The earliest documented example of the name is dated the 4 August 1301 and can be found in the Archivo Storico Multimediale del Mediterraneo (ASSM). In document number UD1000509 Tomasso Trollieti di Pinerolo, described as a Scrittore/Rogatario, is one of several witnesses to correspondence between Philip I of Anjou and Philip I of Savoy. In it the former advises the latter that his brother, Ramon Berenguer, is his brother and the administrator of his business in Piedmont. This is the first known of numerous documents in which he appears. The name itself appears to have its origins in the olive oil trade, but whether it refers to a grower, or processor; a part of his tools and equipment; or even a product, or byproduct is not entirely clear. What is known that a sauce, or condiment known as Troillet is available in food markets in the region to this day. In Thonon les Bains in Haute-Savoie there is a 'Boulevard des Trolliettes', which is presumably named either after the family, or after a location where olive oil was produced, or traded. It would seem that a member, or members of the family migrated to southern Switzerland (Canton Valais) sometime around the beginning of the fifteenth century and the name quickly morphed to the French Troillet et var. The family has been represented in many walks of life since that time including, the law, medicine, engineering, commerce, teaching, mountaineering and the church. One infamous member of the family in or around the year 1546 even challenged Calvin's authority which led to a very public argument between the two. It seems that Troillet, born in Geneva, had spent some time as an eremite, or hermit, in Burgundy. He'd grown disillusioned with the life of a religious zealot and had returned to Geneva in hopes of becoming a minister. Despite presenting dubious letters of recommendation, this was against the law. We read the following in The Life of Calvin: 'Calvin, who fully understood his pretensions to piety, and saw through his hypocrisy, repelled his advances. The council however directed the consistory to admit Troillet to the situation left vacant by a deceased minister. But Calvin had sufficient influence with the council to procure the reversal of this decree. He even proved that two members of the body had received presents from Troillet; this created great disgust'. The doctrinal argument between them continued for many months with Troillet becoming a member of the chief council of the 'Libertines' and accusing Calvin of making God the author of sin. Eventually the two were reconciled, but it was an uneasy truce that existed between them. Since that time the family has spread its tentacles worldwide from Canada in the north to Australia in the south, and although never great in numbers, have achieved much.