Born in Litchfield, Connecticut. Son of General and Governor Oliver Wolcott. Graduate of Yale in 1778. Studied law and admitted to the bar in 1781. He served briefly in the Revolutionary War. Married Elizabeth Stoughton June 1, 1785. They had five sons and two daughters.

In September 1789 he was appointed auditor for the treasury. Appointed Comptroller in June 1791. Served under Alexander Hamilton. Involved with the Bank of the United States and the establishment of branches.

Appointed Secretary of the Treasury by President Adams to replace Hamilton serving February 3, 1795, to December 31, 1800.

President Adams appointed Wolcott as a judge for the second circuit but Congress abolished the office March 8, 1802. Elected to the board of the Bank of the United States in 1810. Served as president of the Bank of America until 1814.

Elected Governor of Connecticut in 1817 and re-elected until 1827. He moved to New York City where he died in 1833.

bio: ApCAB; BDEB; DAB; Drake; NCAB 10; TCBDA; WAB; WWWA-H