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 be retired quite recently. He had 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 yeara was brought to Topeka by his parents. Since 1873 his home had 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 district of Topeka.
Since early youth Mr. Weightman had manifested a commendable interest in public affairs. He had 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 tresurer 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 Scottlah Rite Mason and Shriner, a member of the Commercial Club and the Topaka Club, and is also affiliated with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Eilks.
In 1891 Mr. Weightman married Miss Gussie Alden. At her death on Mareh 1, 1906, she was survived by three children: Mary J., John A. and Anna L. In 1914 Mr. Weightman married Mra. Catherine O’Reilly. Her father was William Blakely of Junetion City, Kansas. At the time of her marrlage she was the widow of Frank O’Reilly, and by that marriage had one son, Frank.