The Biographical Dictionary of America/Acton, Thomas Coxon

ACTON, Thomas Coxon, banker, was born in New York city, Feb. 23, 1823. He acquired a common school education and took a course at a law school, gaining admission to the bar. He at once entered upon the duties of assistant deputy county clerk, which office he held from 1850 to 1853. On the expiration of his term he entered the surrogate's office, and remained there three years. In 1860 he was placed on the board of New York police commissioners, and by his prompt action and untiring vigilance succeeded in suppressing the draft riots of 1863. He served on the police commission for nine years, and on resigning that office received the appointment of superintendent of the U. S. assay office. From 1882 to 1886 Mr. Acton was assistant United States treasurer, and in 1887 he organized and became president of the bank of New Amsterdam. Many reforms in the city government were instituted by him, among them the supersession of the unsatisfactory volunteer fire department by the paid service. He was interested in charitable and political reforms, and was one of the prime movers in the establishing of the society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, and in forwarding the work of other similar organizations. He died in Saybrook, Conn., May 1, 1898.