New Hampshire lawyer and land agent.

Moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he worked as a lawyer and land conveyancer. Justice of the peace (1767). Whig. Close friend of General John Sullivan, who was later governor of New Hampshire. Helped outfit the Ranger and other American ships during the Revolutionary War. Much impoverished in old age due to debts, the depreciation of Continental currency, and the costs of bringing up a large family.

Son of John and Elizabeth (Quincy) Wendell of Boston. Educated at Boston Latin School and Harvard College (B.A. 1750). Married (1) Sarah Wentworth (1753); eleven children; (2) Dorothy Sherburne (1778); eight children.