The Firm of Cox & Trott    (later Trott & Cox, then Watlington & Conyers)

In 1848 William John Cox returned to Bermuda from Alexandria, VA and established a business in general merchandise and importation of cattle for slaughter to supply both the Imperial Govt and the local trade. He hired Harley Trott as senior clerk of what would become the firm Cox & Trott. They were agents for the "Eliza Barss", the "Penkuin", and other vessels. Mr Cox died in 1867 and Harley Trott hired William Cox, son of the late William John (19yrs old) and changed the firm's name to Trott & Cox.The new firm became agent for Mr Webb of New York who operated ships including Albermarle, and  Niagara to Bermuda. In 1869 they were also agents for the Fah Kee, Eliza Barss, and Bermuda-built Koh-i-Nor. As they expanded they looked after the steamships San Francisco (formerly Key Stone State), Magnolia, Rapidan, Perit, Canima, Georgia, City of Houston, George Cromwell, Bermuda, Alambra, General Meade, Flamborough, Muriel, Alert, Orinocco, and Trinidad. They turned over the contracts with the Govt and the business in produce and general merchandise to the new firm of Pearman, Watlington, & Co (partners J Scott Pearman, John Cox Watlington, & Henry J Cox, all former employees of the firm).

William Cox died in 1896. Harley Trott died in 1897. The business was assumed by James A Conyers who later partnered with Henry W Watlington (Sir Henry) and William Conyers (his son). They had all died by 1908 and the firm changed to the name of Watlington & Conyers.

The Trinidad and Orinocco continued service to Bermuda until 1899. Fortabelle, Madiana & Pretoria began to come at that time. On 9 Jan 1905 the Bermudian joined the Trinidad and they provided service until WWI.

(reference: BHQ vol 6 #2.)