My Genealogy Hound

THOMAS WIGHTMAN. Prominent among the leading glass-manufacturers of Pittsburgh appears the name of Thomas Wightman. He was one of the earliest of those now living to engage in this important industry, and is recognized as one of the fathers of the business. In 1840, in connection with the late William McCully and Frederick Lorenz, he engaged in operating the Sligo Window-Glass works, established in 1824, and also the old O’Hara works, on South Side or West End. Subsequently the firm separated, and in 1851 Messrs. Lorenz and Wightman organized another firm, under the style of Lorenz & Wightman, retaining the O’Hara works. After the death of F. Lorenz Mr. Wightman withdrew, and the works were operated by F. Lorenz, Jr., for a few years. After his death they passed into possession, as lessees, of Fahnestock, Albree & Co., who operated them for about two years in 1860, 1861 or 1862. Later on M. A. Lorenz, Thomas Wightman and Nimick & Co. carried on the works under the name and style of Lorenz & Wightman until the demise of Mr. Lorenz, when the firm became Thomas Wightman & Co., and afterward put into a limited company, in 1883, which is the present business name. Mr. Wightman is engaged in the manufacture of window-glass and bottles, and is one of the leading manufacturers of Pittsburgh.