From New Hampshire Genealogies, volume 3, page 1309

"In 1651 he was chosen one of the selectmen. The mutilation of the Dover records makes it impossible to tell all the years in which he held office of any kind. The records, however, show the following: he was one of the selectmen in 1651-57-60-61-65 and 70; moderator in 1663; lot layer in 1657-60-61, and from records of doings, in many other years. This last was an office which required much time and care, in the period when great numbers of town grants, vague and often conflicting, were located. He was the first named of five men in 1656, chosen by the town to arbitrate between the conflicting claims of lands which had become a serious difficulty. He was one of three persons from Cocheco to join with men in other parts of the town, in 1660, to settle the growing ecclesiastical difficulties between the Oyster River (Durham) section and other parts, who reported an elaborate plan July 17, 1660.

The office, however, by which William Wentworth was best known was that of ruling Elder of the church at Dover, especially as it resulted in his officiating as preacher many years of his life, but when he was chosen to this office or when he became a member of that or any other church is unknown. He was instrumental in saving from destruction Heard's, one of the five garrisons in Cocheco, June 28, 1689. Although it was a time of peace, the unusual number of Indians gathered at Cocheco, which was a trading post, excited the suspicions of the people. It was noticed also that many strange faces were among them. The confidence of Major Walderne somewhat allayed their doubts, but many assembled in the garrisons. Elder Wentworth was in Heard's garrison about a mile from his house. In the evening of the 27th, squaws requested leave to sleep by kitchen fires which was unusual. In the darkest hour before morning, the squaws opened the doors to admit the Indians. Elder Wentworth was awakened by the barking of a dog. Suspicious, he hastened to the door, and found the Indians entering. Alone, and seventy-three years of age, he pushed them out, shut the door, and galling on his back held it until the inmates came to his assistance. While laying in this position two bullets passed through the door above his head. This was the only Garrison saved. Twenty-three persons were killed and twenty-nine carried away captive."