Fit for London

This gentleman's waistcoat of white silk, with extensive floral embroidery, was made c. 1760-1770 for William Trent (1715-1787), trader, soldier and land speculator. He was the son and namesake of William Trent, after whom Trenton (Trent Town) was named. The younger Trent, an officer in colonial wars, was a trader and land speculator in private life, and a negotiator with Native Americans in both capacities. Although he received an Ohio River land grant from the Six Nations in 1768, Trent was unable to obtain British or colonial rights to sustain his claims. Land speculation issues took him to London. He returned in 1775 and, although not active in the Revolution, was later charged as a Loyalist. He swore allegiance to the United States in 1779 and served in the General Assembly of New Jersey the following year. Trent died in Philadelphia in 1787. His formal waistcoat is on display at the Old Barracks, as part of the exhibit, "All Is Threatened and Endangered: New Jersey in the French & Indian War."

[Credit: Trent House Association Collection, on loan to Old Barracks Museum]