He graduated from Harvard University in 1751 and was involved with privateers during the French and Indian War, possibly where he attained the title of colonel.
Wanton's first wife Abigail Honeyman died in 1771; they had 7 children.
He was accused of treason and imprisoned by Rhode Island General William West while the British occupied Narragansett Bay in 1776.
When the British occupied Newport, Wanton raised troops for the Loyalist cause.
In 1780, his property (Hunter House) was confiscated, and he fled Newport when the Americans reoccupied the city.