William Colgate

NAME William Colgate

WHAT FAMOUS FOR William Colgate is renowned for founding the company William Colgate & Company in 1806, which later became known as Colgate-Palmolive. This company introduced innovations like aromatic toothpaste in jars in 1873 and, in 1896, became the first to package toothpaste in collapsible tubes.

BIRTH Born on January 25, 1783, in Hollingbourne, Kent, England

FAMILY BACKGROUND Colgate was raised in a devout Baptist family that valued hard work and dedication. His parents were Robert and Mary (née Bowles) Colgate. William's father Robert was a farmer by trade and was known for his intelligence and strong political convictions

CHILDHOOD Growing up in a large family of modest means, Colgate experienced a strict upbringing with a focus on religious faith and moral discipline, instilling a work ethic that would guide his career.

Robert Colgate's outspoken support for the American colonies' struggle for independence and the French Revolution led to political persecution from British authorities1. When William was 15 years old, in 1798, the family was forced to flee England after receiving a warning that Robert faced potential imprisonment or execution if they remained.

The Colgate family boarded a ship in March 1798 and sailed for America, settling on a farm in Harford County, Maryland. This dramatic uprooting in his teenage years would have been a significant and formative experience for young William.

EDUCATION  Although formal schooling opportunities were limited, Colgate sought practical education through apprenticeships, especially in the soap and candle-making trades.

CAREER RECORD 1804: Apprenticed as a soap boiler in New York City.

1806: Founded William Colgate & Company, on Dutch Street in New York City, initially focusing on candle, starch, and soap production. 

By 1820, he expanded his operations across the Hudson River to Jersey City, marking the company's long-standing presence there. The business steadily grew, eventually leading to the company’s pioneering advancements in dental care products.

APPEARANCE Colgate was known to be a neatly dressed gentleman with an unassuming demeanor, reflecting his modest upbringing and values.

A depiction of Colgate in his later years, drawn in 1881

FASHION He preferred practical, simple attire suitable for an industrial businessman of the era, often seen in dark suits and plain shirts.

CHARACTER Colgate was reputed as honest, diligent, and deeply religious, with a strong sense of integrity that earned him respect among peers and employees.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Although not known for a boisterous sense of humor, Colgate had a warm, friendly demeanor and a wry wit that endeared him to friends and family.

RELATIONSHIPS William Colgate married Mary Gilbert on April 23, 1810. William and Mary had a harmonious and compatible relationship.

William and Mary had a large family together. They had nine children and Colgate was a devoted husband and father, sharing close bonds with his wife and children, who played active roles in the family business.

 The Colgates were known for their strong Christian faith, which was reflected in their family life. They attended church together, and read the family Bible.

MONEY AND FAME Although successful, Colgate was modest about his wealth, reinvesting profits back into the company and donating generously to causes close to his heart, particularly his church and educational institutions.

Throughout his life, Colgate adhered to the biblical principle of tithing, initially donating 10% of his income to charitable causes. As his business prospered, he increased his giving, eventually dedicating up to 50% of his income to philanthropic endeavors.

Colgate was a strong supporter of foreign missions and even chose to personally sponsor a missionary. He was also a regular contributor to the funds of the Baptist Missionary Union.

Colgate was a generous benefactor of educational institutions. He made substantial donations to Madison University (now Colgate University) in Hamilton, New York, significantly impacting the institution's growth and development.

Colgate's charitable giving was deeply rooted in his Christian faith and his belief in the principles taught in the Bible. His home was known for its hospitality, and he attributed his success in both business and spiritual life to his adherence to biblical principles.

Beyond his broader philanthropic efforts, Colgate demonstrated his compassion by providing financial support and purchasing a farmhouse for his aging parents.

His sons, particularly James and Samuel, continued his philanthropic legacy, becoming benefactors of Madison University and Theological Seminary.

FOOD AND DRINK As a wealthy American in the early to mid-19th century, Colgate likely had access to a variety of foods common to that era and social class.

Given his English background and the time period, tea was likely a common beverage. As a devout Baptist, he likely abstained from alcohol.

MUSIC AND ARTS While no records detail Colgate’s personal preferences in music or art, he supported community programs that included cultural and artistic initiatives.

LITERATURE A dedicated reader, Colgate favored religious texts and practical books on business and industry.

Colgate’s story appears in various business histories, including profiles on early American entrepreneurs and industrialists. Works on the history of Colgate-Palmolive often detail his life as the company’s founder, particularly in books about iconic American brands.

NATURE Colgate grew up in rural England and later lived on farms in Maryland and New York

PETS While not directly related to William Colgate himself, it's worth noting that the company he founded later expanded into pet nutrition. In the 1930s, long after William Colgate's death, Dr. Mark Morris developed a specialty dog food that eventually became part of the Colgate-Palmolive company as Hill's Pet Nutrition.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Colgate’s life centered largely on his work and faith, leaving little documented time for personal hobbies, though he enjoyed staying physically active through his daily routines.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Colgate had a keen understanding of chemistry as it related to soap-making, starch production, and other industrial processes.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Colgate was a devout Christian, specifically a Baptist. He was baptized in February 1808 at the First Baptist Church in New York 

He remained an active member of Baptist churches throughout his life, serving as a deacon and earning the affectionate title of "Deacon Colgate." Colgate was also a strong advocate for temperance within the church community.

Colgate appears to have held a strong belief in biblical authority. When considering joining a Presbyterian church, he sought a "thus saith the Lord" for each point of doctrine, including infant baptism. Unable to find biblical support for infant baptism, he ultimately joined a Baptist church instead.

As a committed Baptist, Colgate integrated his religious beliefs into every aspect of his life and business, emphasizing moral conduct and fairness in his practices. He was also a generous supporter of theological education.

Colgate played a crucial role in establishing the American Bible Society in 1816 and later contributed to the founding of the American and Foreign Bible Society. He also served on the board of the American Tract Society, an organization dedicated to distributing Christian literature.

POLITICS Although not publicly political, Colgate quietly supported causes that aligned with his faith and values, focusing his efforts on societal betterment through education and charity.

SCANDAL No known scandals are associated with Colgate; he maintained an unblemished reputation throughout his life.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Colgate was generally healthy, thanks to his disciplined lifestyle, and continued to work actively until his health began to decline later in life.

HOMES William Colgate spent his early years in Hollingbourne, Kent, England. At the age of six, his family relocated to a farm near Shoreham, Kent.

In 1798, at the age of 15, Colgate embarked on a journey with his family to the United States. They settled on a farm in Harford County, Maryland, where they resided for several years.

In 1804, at the age of 21, Colgate moved to New York City, a pivotal moment that would shape the course of his life. After a brief stay in Mamaroneck, he established himself in New York City. Over the years, he lived in various locations within the city, including a house on John Street, a house on Chambers Street, and ultimately a house on Madison Square, where he passed away.

TRAVEL While Colgate occasionally traveled for business, he largely remained in New York and Jersey City, where his business interests were concentrated.

DEATH William Colgate passed away on March 25, 1857, at the age of 74. He was buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Colgate’s image and legacy primarily appear in industrial history and business retrospectives. His company’s products, however, became famous worldwide.

1. Business and Historical Documentaries: Colgate’s life and contributions to the soap and toothpaste industry are frequently referenced in documentaries exploring the history of American industry, personal hygiene products, or the evolution of major corporations.

2. Brand Advertisements and Marketing Campaigns: While Colgate’s image isn’t directly used, his name remains synonymous with the brand, which frequently emphasizes the company’s long-standing heritage. Occasionally, marketing campaigns refer back to the brand's origins in the early 1800s.

3. Museums and Historical Exhibits: Colgate’s legacy is recognized in museums focusing on American industrial history, like The Henry Ford Museum, where his company’s innovations, such as early toothpaste in collapsible tubes, are highlighted.

ACHIEVEMENTS  Founder of William Colgate & Company, which would become the globally recognized Colgate-Palmolive.

Contributed to the growth of the American economy.

Established a legacy of philanthropy and business ethics.