William Weightman
William Weightman | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Weightman September 30, 1813 Waltham, England |
| Died | August 25, 1904 (aged 90) |
| Occupation | Chemical manufacturer |
| Known for | Quinine |
| Spouse | Louisa Stelwagon |
| Children | Anne Weightman William Weightman, Jr. John Farr Weightman |
| Relatives | William Weightman III (grandson) George W. Strawbridge, Jr., (great grandson) |
William Weightman (September 30, 1813 – August 25, 1904) was a chemical manufacturer and one of the largest landowners in the United States. Nicknamed the "Quinine King," he created a synthetic form of the drug. His company, Powers & Weightman, merged in the 1920s with the pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. Weightman was listed as the 17th wealthiest American in history by American Heritage magazine in 1998.