New England merchant and banker.

Began his career as a sailor and ship captain. Established a mercantile partnership with John Barker Church (c. 1777). Deputy commissary- general (1777), then commissary-general (1778-79) of the Continental Army. Also secured lucrative contracts to provision the French forces in America (1780).

Visited France with Church (1783-84) to settle accounts with the French government. Served in Congress (1787-88) and the Connecticut state legislature. Founder of the Bank of North America and director of the United States Bank. A pioneer in the insurance and wool-manufacturing industries.

Son of Reverend Daniel and Abigail (Talcott) Wadsworth of Hartford, Connecticut. Married Mehitable Russell in 1767; three children.