William Colgate (January 25, 1783 – March 25, 1857) was an English-American industrialist who in 1806 founded what became the Colgate-Palmolive company.

In 1806 William set up a starch, soap and candle business on Dutch Street in Manhattan.

[5] He went on to become one of the most prosperous men in New York City, sought for his wise counsel and ready to offer aid to others in practical enterprises.

William Parkinson, pastor of the First Baptist Church in the City of New York, baptized the twenty-three year-old Colgate in February 1808, who then became a deacon.

[6] His son Robert purchased Stonehurst at Riverdale-on-Hudson in the Bronx about 1859 shortly after it was built; it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.