Born in Durham, Trotter was educated at the Fulwell School in Sunderland.
Orphaned in his youth, he was brought up by an aunt and uncle.
In 1886, he began working as a clerk for the Durham Miners' Association (DMA).
He also served on the executive of the Miners' Federation of Great Britain on several occasions from 1916 to 1931.
[1] Although Trotter did not enter politics, he was a founder member of the City of Durham branch of the Labour Party in 1918, and campaigned for the formation and entry to the Football League of Durham City A.F.C.