William Trent

William Trent ( December 25, 1724) was a trader and merchant in Pennsylvania and New Jersey around the beginning of the 18th century, after whom the capital of New Jersey, Trenton, was named. Little detail is known of his early life, including exactly when he was born.

Early life and education He emigrated to the North American colonies with his brother James in the 1690s.

Career By 1693, Trent had immigrated with his brother James to the British colonies, and settled in Philadelphia. As a merchant trader, he became quite wealthy, eventually being one of the most affluent men in the city.

Legacy and honors

The William Trent House is on the state and national registers for historic places, and is a National Historic Landmark. It is operated as a house museum in Trenton.