Nathan Trotter and Company records

Nathan Trotter and Company was a Philadelphia marketing organization which both bought and sold at wholesale. The firm succeeded William Trotter and Company, founded in 1809 by William and his brother Joseph. After the death of William in 1815, his brother Nathan took ownership of the company, and in the process changed the name of the company from William Trotter and Company to Nathan Trotter and Company. In the early years the company dealt in a wide variety of commodities, but by the early 1830's they began to specialize in metals, primarily iron, steel, copper, brass, and tin imported from England and Wales. Later they imported from Malacca Straits, Rotterdam, and Russia, after which the domestic producers became prominent. In 1829, Joseph Trotter formally withdrew from the firm to become a cashier at the Bank of Pennsylvania - of which he later became President. In 1839 and 1850, Nathan’s two eldest sons, Edward H. Trotter and George Trotter, became partners, and in 1850 owned equal shares of the company. In the same year, Nathan retired from the company and his two younger sons, William Henry and Charles West joined the partnership. In 1877, the management of the company passed into the hands of William Henry’s sons – Nathan Trotter and Edward H. Trotter – and in 1891, William Henry Trotter Jr. was admitted into the firm. In 1890, William Henry Trotter withdrew from membership in the firm, the business being conducted by Nathan Trotter and his brother William Henry Trotter, Jr., until 1910 when Nathan retired and William M. Weaver was admitted to partnership. Eventually the next generation of Trotters came into the proprietorship.

William Trotter (1774-1815) was involved in the China trade with brothers William Sansom (1763-1840) and Joseph Sansom (1765 or 1766-1826) in the late 18th century. He served as supercargo on several vessels that voyaged to Canton and managed factory concerns and trade with hong merchants such as Mouqua. Trotter and Joseph Sansom later formed a partnership focused on British imports including steel, tin plate, lead, leathers and skins, and dry goods. When Sansom retired in 1803, Trotter became sole proprietor.

As the same or similar first and middle names were used over several generations of the Trotter family, the following outline provides basic information about various family members. Note that not all Trotter family members, spouses, and children are included.

Daniel (1747-1800) married Rebekah Conarroe (1754-1797). Daniel was the son of William and Elizabeth Trotter. Daniel and Rebekah had 10 children, 2 who died before the age of 20 years.

Son William (1774-1815) married Mary (Molly) Kempton (1779-1849). In total they had 10 children, but 2 died at fairly young ages. William died at his residence No. 100 North Front Street in Philadelphia. Their children were: Rebecca (1801-1864), Daniel (1805-1841), Ann Trotter (1806-1835), Margaretta C. (1808-1880), Emmeline (1810-1863), Sansom William (1812-1872), and William (1815-1886).

Daughter Elizabeth (1778-1803) married Ephraim Haines.

Son Joseph (1785-1853) married Anne Hough (sister of Susan Hough).

Son Nathan (1787–1853 January 11) married Susan Hough (1785-1867). Susan is the sister of Anne Hough who married Nathan’s brother Joseph. Nathan and Susan had 5 children: Edward Hough (1814-1873), George (1816-1877), Elizabeth Hough (1818-1886), William Henry (1822-1898), and Charles West (1827-1903).

Sons Daniel (1785-1793), Thomas C. (1789-1821), and daughters Rebecca (1791-1815) and Mary (1797-1827).

Nathan’s son William Henry had five children: Nathan (1853-1915), Edward Hough (1857-1925), Helen (1860-?), Florence (1861-?), and William Henry, Jr. (1869-1933).