Rhode Island Colonial Governor. Born the son of Rhode Island Colonial Governor William Wanton, he graduated from Harvard in 1751 and became a successful trade merchant and was part owner of the privateer ships, during the French-Indian War. Admitted a Freeman of the Colony in 1728, he became Deputy Collector of Customs at Newport, Rhode Island, serving (1738-47). In 1769, he was elected the 36th Rhode Island Colonial Governor, serving until 1775. He had a difficult time in office due to the retrains of the pending American Revolutionary War, but was in continuous communication with Governors of other colonies. Even though he was reelected for another term in 1775, he was branded as a Loyalist, for wanting to remain neutral during the war and the General Assembly deposed him as Governor. After leaving office, he retired from politics and continued his merchant interests until his death. His son Joseph Wanton Jr. was the Deputy Rhode Island Governor, (1764-67).
Rhode Island Colonial Governor. Born the son of Rhode Island Colonial Governor William Wanton, he graduated from Harvard in 1751 and became a successful trade merchant and was part owner of the privateer ships, during the French-Indian War. Admitted a Freeman of the Colony in 1728, he became Deputy Collector of Customs at Newport, Rhode Island, serving (1738-47). In 1769, he was elected the 36th Rhode Island Colonial Governor, serving until 1775. He had a difficult time in office due to the retrains of the pending American Revolutionary War, but was in continuous communication with Governors of other colonies. Even though he was reelected for another term in 1775, he was branded as a Loyalist, for wanting to remain neutral during the war and the General Assembly deposed him as Governor. After leaving office, he retired from politics and continued his merchant interests until his death. His son Joseph Wanton Jr. was the Deputy Rhode Island Governor, (1764-67).
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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