Roger C. Weightman, Grand Master, 1833

Born in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1787, he removed to Washington in 1801, where he learned the printing business with Andrew Way, who subsequently carried on business with the late Jacob Gideon under the firm name of Way & Gideon. He served for a time as foreman to the Government Printer and later, for several Congressional terms, held the latter position, with his office on the south side of E Street near Seventh, N. W. He also at one time conducted a book store on the northwest corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Sixth Street, N. W.

During the War of 1812 he was an officer in a cavalry company, and at the close accepted a commission in the militia of the District, and at the time of LaFayette's visit to this country was a Brigadier-General and assisted in the entertainment of the nation's guest. His home, 324 Virginia Avenue, South East, still standing and now dedicated to and used for settlement work, played an important part in the social functions of that event, the ballroom on the side being specially erected for the better handling of the numerous guests.

He was later promoted to be a Major-General and Commander-in-Chief of the District Militia, and was occupying that position at the outbreak of the War of the Rebellion, although his impaired health would not permit of his participating in active outdoor service.

Brother Weightman for a number of years held office in the City Council and was elected Mayor of Washington in 1824, and served to August, 1827, and with such fidelity did he perform his duties that his administration was referred to for years as a model one. He resigned the mayoralty to accept the position of Cashier of the Bank of Washington, then located in the National Hotel building, and held that position until 1834, when he resigned on account of ill-health and was subsequently appointed a clerk in the Patent Office and for years was librarian there.

He had an unsullied reputation and possessed many ennobling traits of character, was a successful business man and a dignified, courtly gentleman.

In the Masonic Fraternity Brother Weightman long held a leading position and possesses the unique distinction of having been called from the position of Senior Warden of his lodge to the chair of Grand Master, making one of three similar instances. In the history of this jurisdiction. He was made a Master Mason in Lebanon Lodge, No. 7, November 24, 1811, being the first candidate who received the degrees in that body and for nearly sixty-five years held continuous membership therein. Brother Weightman passed away February 2, 1876, at the advanced age of 89, and was interred in Congressional Cemetery under the auspices of the Grand Lodge and with an escort of all the Commanderies, K. T., of the District and several companies of the militia.

AHGP District of Columbia

Source: History of the Grand Lodge and Freemasonry in the District of Columbia, compiled by W. Brother Kenton N. Harper, 1911.