Wharton became a merchant and was well respected for his character as well as his business acumen. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1761. Like many other colonial merchants, Wharton signed petitions and joined boycotts in protest of the 1765 Stamp Act and the 1767 Townshend Acts, but he was not an early leader of the resistance movement.
Wharton transitioned into commerce and earned high regard for his personal integrity and business prowess. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1761. Like other colonial merchants, Wharton participated in protests against the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts but did not become an early leader of the resistance movement.