Sir Thomas Lighton, 1st Baronet
Sir Thomas Lighton, 1st Baronet | |
|---|---|
| Born | Strabane, County Tyrone, Ireland |
| Died | 27 April 1805 |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, politician |
| Years active | 1770s–1805 |
| Known for | Co-founder of Lighton, Needham & Shaw Bank; Member of the Irish House of Commons |
Sir Thomas Lighton, 1st Baronet (died 27 April 1805) was a banker and political figure of Ulster Scots descent.
Biography
Originating from Strabane, County Tyrone, Lighton was the offspring of tenant-farmer John Lighton and Elizabeth Walker. Initially engaged in trading activities in Strabane, he later enlisted as a soldier with the East India Company in India. For his successful transfer of General Richard Matthews' wealth from India to London, he was awarded £20,000 by the General's wife. Upon his return to Ireland, Lighton utilized this sum to help establish the Lighton, Needham & Shaw Bank in Dublin alongside Robert Shaw. In 1790, he held the position of High Sheriff of County Dublin.
Lighton served as a member of the Irish House of Commons representing Tuam from 1790 until 1797 and was granted a baronetcy of Merville on 1 March 1791. Subsequently, he represented Carlingford from 1798 until the constituency was abolished in 1800.
He wed Anne Pollock, daughter of William Pollock, on 11 December 1777. His eldest son, Thomas, succeeded him.