Joseph Dodge Weston

Sir Joseph Dodge Weston (1822 – 5 March 1895) was an English merchant and shipping magnate and Liberal politician who was active in local government and sat in the House of Commons in two periods between 1885 and 1895.

Weston was born in Kingsdown, Bristol, the son of Thomas Weston and his wife Mary Tuck. His father was a wealthy iron merchant at Redcliffe. He joined the family firm and developed the business to take in iron foundries, cotton manufacture and railway wagon and carriage building. He was one of the original promoters and founders of the Bristol Waggon Works and was chairman of the Patent Nut and Bolt Co. His shipping interests thrived in the time of emigration to Australia. He presided over Bristol's purchase and development of the Portishead and Avonmouth docks. He was mayor of Bristol for four years from 1880 to 1884. He was a J.P. for Bristol

In 1885, Weston was elected MP for Bristol South, but lost the seat in 1886. In 1890 he became MP for Bristol East – a large working class constituency. He was a liberal of advanced views and in favour of Home Rule. and it was commented that "He might be a socialist if Socialism were more respectable and not so dreadfully lowering"!.

Weston died at the age of 72 and was buried Arnos Vale Cemetery.