Walter and Stewart Weldon, M.P.'s

Walter Weldon, M.P.

By Frank Meehan
Extraced from "Laois Yearbook" 1989

Walter Weldon was born in Raheenderry, Queens County on July 1st, 1724, the eldest son of Arthur Weldon of Raheenderry by his wife Mary, daughter of the Rt. Rev Dr Anthony Dopping, Lord Bishop of Meath and grand nephew of William Weldon, M.P. for Athy, 1661-1666. Educated at Athy School and Trinity College Dublin where he was confirmed 1756 with the degree of LLD. He was elected M.P. for Athy 8th November 1745 in place of James Fitzgerald, Baron of Offaly who had succeeded as 20th Earl of Kildare (later 1st Duke of Leinster).

In October 1762 he was admitted a Free Brother of the Holy Trinity Guild of Merchants of Dublin. He was twice married, first to Mary, daughter of Colonel John Stewart of Leighlin, Co Carlow (they had one son Stuart). After his wife died he married Anne, daughter of Sir Samuel Cooke, Baronet of St Catherines Dublin, M.P. for Dublin City. They had one son Samuel and two daughters. Mary the eldest married Very Rev Thomas French, Dean of Kildare, and Jane, Lt. CoI. The Hon. John Creighton. He died 23rd August, 1773.

Stewart Weldon M.P.

Stewart Weldon, son of Walter Weldon was born in Raheenderry, 6th July, 1750. Educated at Athy and Trinity College, Dublin. He married 1777 the Hon. Elena, daughter of Francis, 2nd Baron Conyngham and sister of Henry, 1st Marguess Conyngham. He was M.P. for Ennis 1783 to 1790 and served as High Sheriff of Queens County in 1779. He died 2nd January 1829.

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