John T. Wait was born in New London, Connecticut, on August 27, 1822. He moved to Norwich at a young age with his widowed mother. John studied law with the Honorable Lafayette Foster. He served as the state attorney for New London County for 10 years. John was a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives for 3 years and was chosen speaker of the House for one year. In 1874, he ran for LT. Governor on the Republican ticket, but was unsuccessful.

In 1876, John Wait was elected to the 44th Congress, where he served for a term of 11 years. During the Civil War years, he fully supported the war and served as a speaker at numerous recruitment rallies throughout the state. When the war ended, he was made an honorary member of the Sedgwick Lodge, Post #1, Grand Army of the Republic in Norwich.

His home was located in Norwichtown. It was written at the time; John T. Wait was a courteous gentleman, a respected neighbor, and an honored friend.