Under the tuition of the father, the son in time became a ripe scholar and acquired a liberal education.

In 1855 the son was admitted to the bar in New York City. In April, 185(5, he married Adele Griswold, a daughter of Daniel S. Griswold, of that city. The father and son entered into a law partnership under the name of Amherst Wight & Sou, and practiced in New York City. The firm did a large business, especially in real estate law.

In 1864, on account of the ill health of his wife, Amherst Wight, Jr., removed to the country and took up his residence at Port Chester. The change did not restore the health of Mrs. Wight, and in June of that year she died. Although not at first designing to engage in Westchester practice, he found himself gradually involved in it. Accordingly, in 1870 he formed a law partnership with John H. Clapp, a son of John J. Clapp, and opened an oflSce in Port Chester, in addition to the office in New York City. This partnership continued until Mr. Wight's death, and conducted a very large and valuable business.

His sterling qualities won for him the confidence and regard of the community in which he resided ; and, although a sincere and outspoken Republican, he was several times elected to prominent positions in his district, which was very largely Democratic. Among other public positions which he held by popular suffrage were supervisor of the town of Rye, 1871 and 1872, member of the State Assembly, 1873 to 1875, and president of the board of trustees of the village of Port Chester. He was also, in the fall of 1876, the Republican candidate for Congress in his district. In August, 1867, he married Ellen M. Abendroth, a daughter of William Philip Abendroth, late of Port Chester.