Wolcott Family Genealogy & History

Oliver Wolcott Sr. was a pivotal American Founding Father and politician, renowned for signing the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation as a representative from Connecticut. He served as the nineteenth governor of Connecticut and was a major general in the Connecticut militia during the Revolutionary War, participating under George Washington's command. Additionally, Wolcott was a dedicated member of the Continental Congress, advocating for independence and contributing to diplomatic efforts, including negotiations with the Six Nations.

Born in Windsor, Connecticut, Oliver Wolcott Sr. was the youngest of ten children of colonial Governor Roger Wolcott and Sarah Drake Wolcott. His familial ties include his son, Oliver Wolcott Jr., who became Secretary of the Treasury and governor of Connecticut.

James Wolcott, born December 10, 1952, in Baltimore, Maryland, is a renowned American journalist and cultural critic known for his incisive critiques of contemporary media. As a prominent figure at Vanity Fair and contributor to The New Yorker, Wolcott has made significant contributions to media and pop culture discussions. His blog on Vanity Fair's site won a Webby Award in 2007, showcasing his digital influence. His literary works include the novel "The Catsitters" and "Attack Poodles and Other Media Mutants," a critique of right-wing media. Wolcott's memoir, "Lucking Out: My Life Getting Down and Semi-Dirty in Seventies New York," reflects his vibrant career in journalism.

Marion Post Wolcott was an influential American photographer known for her work with the Farm Security Administration during the Great Depression. Her evocative images documented poverty, the Jim Crow South, and social deprivation, often highlighting the political aspects of these issues. Wolcott's photographs are celebrated for their ability to capture both the harsh realities and the inherent humor found within her subjects. Her work gained renewed attention in the 1970s, leading to exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Smithsonian and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, solidifying her legacy in the field of photography.

Marion Post Wolcott was born in Montclair, New Jersey, to Marion Hoyt Post, known as "Nan," and Walter Post, a physician. She was the younger of two daughters in the Post family and experienced her parents' divorce at the age of thirteen, which led to her attending boarding school. Her early exposure to the arts in Greenwich Village likely influenced her later career in photography.

Frank Wolcott (1840–1910) was a notable figure in American history, known for his diverse roles as a Union Army officer, lawman, and rancher. Born in Canandaigua, New York, Wolcott served with distinction during the Civil War, attaining the rank of major. Post-war, he held a position with the U.S. Land Office before relocating to Wyoming to serve as a U.S. Marshal. In Wyoming, he became a prominent member of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and took a controversial role in the Johnson County War, leading a group against small ranchers accused of cattle rustling. Despite the violence associated with his actions, Wolcott avoided legal consequences and later served as a Justice of the Peace.