James C.L. Wadsworth was born in Litchfield, Connecticut. Upon the formation of Stevenson's Regiment in 1846, he was offered, and accepted, employment in the sutler's department. Not being able to obtain passage on any of the ships chartered by the government, and being firmly impressed with the belief that it would acquire and retain possession of California, and confidence in its future prosperity, he determined to go. No other opportunity offering, he shipped as a sailor on the bark Whiton, the only vessel leaving at that time (except the government ships) for this coast, paying for this privilege $100, arriving in San Francisco in April 1847. In two weeks after his arrival he proceeded to Los Angeles to take charge of the Southern department of the army, that place being the most important post in the county, as stationed there were two companies of U.S. dragoons, two companies of Stevenson's Regiment, and the Mormon battalion of six hundred men. Upon the disbandment of the regiment in August 1848, Wadsworth established a trading post in the newly-discovered mines on the Mokelumne River. Early in 1849, having been successful, he established himself in the business of general merchandising in Stockton. While there he was elected second alcalde, it being the first election held there. In about six months he sold out in Stockton, moved to San Francisco, and commenced the banking business in connection with S.W. Haight which also proved successful. In the winter of 1850 the banking firm was dissolved and Wadsworth embarked in real estate and general speculation, which business he followed successfully until 1859, when the rush to the newly-discovered silver mines in Nevada took place, and he at once went to Virginia City. He soon became largely interested in the Gould and Curry mine, and upon the incorporation of that property, in San Francisco, he was elected secretary. In 1864 he resigned and retired from the secretaryship and made a visit to the East. In 1883 Wadsworth was appointed secretary of the State Board of Harbor Commissioners, which position he occupied until he was appointed by Governor Stoneman, insurance commissioner. (From Swasey, W.F. The Early Days and Men of California (Oakland, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Company, 1891).
From the description of James C.L. Wadsworth journal, 1846-1847. (Litchfield Historical Society). WorldCat record id: 780067084
