Tripp was born on January 12, 1840 in Jefferson County, New York. During the American Civil War, he enlisted with the 27th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He achieved the rank of first lieutenant. Incidents Tripp took part in include the Battle of Okolona, Battle of Prairie D'Ane, the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry, the Siege of Vicksburg and the Battle of Spanish Fort. On April 28, 1867, Tripp married Charlotte Daharsh. They would have three children. He died on September 3, 1883 in Hingham, Wisconsin.