Matthew Weightman, Jr.

MATTHEW WEIGHTMAN, JR. In the way of public service Mr. Weightman is best known for his work as treasurer of Shawnee County, an office he filled two terms and from which he retired quite recently. He has been a resident of Topeka for over forty years, is a native of Kansas, and represents an old and substantial family of the State.

His father, after whom he was named, came to Kansas in 1855 during territorial days. Matthew Weightman, Sr., was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, came to America a young man, and for a time was in newspaper work associated with G. W. Wilder at Leavenworth. Mr. Wilder, as will be recalled, was at one time state auditor of Kansas. At Leavenworth Mr. Weightman, Sr., married Anna Wallace. Her father, Doctor Wallace, was a pioneer physician of Leavenworth The senior Mr. Weightman died in 1894. He was the father of three children.

Matthew Weightman, Jr., was born at Leavenworth May 13, 1868, and at the age of five years was brought to Topeka by his parents. Since 1873 his home has been in that city. He acquired his early education in the public schools at Topeka, also attended Washburn College, and in 1889 he completed the pharmacy course in the University of Michigan. Returning to Topeka, he was for twenty-four consecutive years engaged in the drug business, and his store was one of the landmarks in the business districts of Topeka.

Since early youth Mr. Weightman has manifested a commendable interest in public affairs. He has always been a republican, was for years a member of the Republican County Central Committee and for a long time its treasurer. In 1910 he was elected treasurer of Shawnee County and re-elected two years later. At the present time he is vice president and treasurer of the Aetna Building & Loan Association of Topeka.

Mr. Weightman is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and Shriner, a member of the Commercial Club and the Topeka Club, and is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

In 1891 Mr. Weightman married Miss Gussie Alden. At her death on March 1, 1906, she was survived by three children: Mary J., John A. and Anna L. In 1914 Mr. Weightman married Mrs. Catherine O'Reilly. Her father was William Blakely of Junction City, Kansas. At the time of her marriage she was the widow of Frank O'Reilly, and by that marriage had one son, Frank.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
VOLUME 1 & 2
BIOGRAPHIES — VOLUMES 3, 4, & 5
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