Thomas Coxon Acton
| Thomas Coxon Acton | |
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| Born | 1823 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | May 1, 1898 (aged 75) Saybrook, Connecticut |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Civil servant, politician and reformer |
| Known for | Noted political and social activist during the mid-to late 19th century; appointed to the first Board of Police Commissioners. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Sarah Elizabeth Kelsey |
| Children | Thomas Coxon Acton, Jr. Agnes Acton Sarah Acton Caroline Acton |
Thomas Coxon Acton (February 23, 1823 – May 1, 1898) was an American public servant, politician, reformer, police commissioner of the New York City Police Department and the first appointed president of its Board of Police Commissioners. He and Commissioner John G. Bergen took control of the police force during the New York Draft Riots with Action directing police and military forced against rioters in Manhattan.
A noted political and social activist, he also held several important government positions throughout his career including superintendent of the New York Assay Office, Assistant U.S. Treasurer and, most notably, the founder and president of the Bank of New Amsterdam. It was also largely due to his efforts that the modern New York City Fire Department was established replacing the outdated colonial-era volunteer firefighter system.
He was born in New York City in 1823, near Washington Square Park. Although from largely a poor background, he was educated in public schools and found employment as a deputy clerk under Clerk Bradford. He eventually held a position as a Deputy Register for nearly six years. He was appointed police commissioner of the old Metropolitan police district by Governor Edwin D. Morgan in May 1860 along with John G. Bergen and Superintendent John Kennedy. He was also made president of the Board of Police Commissioners when New York County, at the time comprising the entirety of present-day New York City, was formed. Acton held this post until the outbreak of the American Civil War a year later.
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