James Wolcott

James Wolcott (3 November 1789 – 5 January 1873) was an entrepreneur and civic leader of Maumee, Ohio. He played a role in the development of Maumee through his business and public service. He built the now Wolcott House Museum in Maumee, Ohio.

Wolcott, one of thirteen children born to Guy and Abigail Wolcott, was born in Torrington, Litchfield County, Connecticut, United States. Wolcott continued his westward expansion into St. Louis, Missouri, in 1820. A year later, he married Mary Wells, daughter of William Wells and Sweet Breeze, thus granddaughter of Miami Chief Little Turtle.

The young couple settled in Willshire, where Wolcott established another mill. In 1823, he built a Willshire home for Mary and their two sons. However, in search of prosperity, Wolcott brought his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana and eventually to the shores of the Maumee River, settling in Maumee, Ohio, in 1826. He was elected associate judge of the Lucas County Common Pleas court. His shipping business expanded during the 1830s and 1840s and helped launch Wolcott further into the local political scene. In 1843, he served as mayor of Maumee. Mary Ann Wolcott, the daughter of James and Mary, took the lead of the household in the interim after her mother's death and after the divorce of James and Caroline.

Legacy The Wolcott Heritage Center is located in Maumee, Ohio. Today, it offers tours interpreting the history of the Wolcott family and other historic buildings on the property.

The family home passed through four generations.