trent senior founded trenton, new jersey by buying a large tract of land in 1714 below the falls of the delaware river and developing his country house there. moving to the new site in 1721 with his family, trent also platted the town around his house. the young trent grew up with his father's wealth, gained from trading and shipping in furs, dry goods and slaves, with merchants and interests in the north american and caribbean colonies, and england. his father had interests in 40 ships. his father served in the provincial governments in both pennsylvania and new jersey.