Thomas Matheson

Thomas Matheson (1798 – 14 February 1873) was a British Whig politician. Son of Donald Matheson and brother of James Matheson (co-founder of Jardine Matheson & Co.), Matheson was born at Shinness, near Lairg, Sutherland, Scotland in 1798. In 1815 he joined the British Army as an Ensign. He became a lieutenant colonel in the 42nd Foot in 1843, when he retired on half-pay.

Matheson was elected unopposed as the Whig MP for Ashburton at the 1847 general election, taking up the seat previously held by his brother James Matheson.