Joseph Wightman d.1722

Joseph WIGHTMAN d.1722

Biographical Note

Wightman's military career began in 1690 with his appointment as ensign in the 1st foot guards. He was promoted to lieutenant and captain in 1693, and captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1696. He transferred to Sir Matthew Bridge's regiment, serving in Flanders during the Nine Years' War, and the Netherlands during the duke of Marlborough's initial campaigns prior to the War of the Spanish Succession. He was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, taking command of the regiment in 1702, and was made colonel in 1703. He became brigadier-general in 1707, fought at the battle of Almanza, and rose to colonel the same year, being promoted to major-general in 1707. In 1712 he was made commander-in-chief in Scotland, and he was involved in efforts to resist the Jacobite army and rising sympathy for their cause. He was rewarded for his service in Scotland, being made governor of Kinsale, Ireland, but died of a stroke before he could take up the post.

After his death, administration of his estate was granted to his widow, Eliza. She seems to have died shortly after her husband, as by the following year the couple's possessions were offered at auction posthumously.

Books

Advertisements in the Daily Post describe the 'Household Goods of Mrs. Wightman, deceas'd. Widow of the late General Wightman' as including 'Book-Cases and Books' alongside carpets, pictures, very fine old China, furniture, and 'a large Tent lined with Callicoe'. The items were to be sold from Mrs Wightman's dwelling-house in Great Marlborough-street, St James's on 26 April 1723.

Sources

• Alston, R. C., Inventory of sale catalogues ... 1676-1800, St Philip, 2010.
• Falkner, James. "Wightman, Joseph (d. 1722), army officer." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.