Thomas Coleman (New York politician)

Thomas Coleman (June 16, 1808 – August 29, 1894) was an American merchant, banker and politician from New York.

Thomas Coleman
Born	June 16, 1808 Barnstable, Massachusetts
Died	August 29, 1894 (aged 86) Troy, New York
Spouse(s)	Catherine Jane Lewis ​ ​ (m. 1839)​
Parent(s)	Nathaniel Coleman
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Life

He was born on June 16, 1808 in Barnstable, Massachusetts, the son of Nathaniel Coleman (c.1781–1848).[1][2]

He attended the common schools, and in 1824 became a store clerk in New Bedford. In 1827, he moved to Troy, New York, and became a merchant. In January 1839, he married Catherine Jane Lewis. In 1852, he became a director of the Bank of Troy, and later was President of the First National Bank of Troy. He also engaged in the lumber trade.[2]

He entered politics as a National Republican, became a Whig in 1834, then joined the Know Nothings, and later became a Republican. In 1857, he was elected as Alderman (3rd Ward) of Troy, and was re-elected for many terms.[2]

He was a member of the New York State Assembly (Rensselaer Co., 1st D.) in 1859 and 1860. In 1865, he was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the Capital Police District. He was a presidential elector in 1872, voting for Ulysses S. Grant and Henry Wilson.[2]

He was a member of the New York State Senate (12th D.) in 1876 and 1877.[2]

He died on August 29, 1894 in Troy, New York from "infirmities attendant upon old age" at age 86.[1]

References

1. "Thomas Coleman" (PDF). New York Times. August 31, 1894. Retrieved October 25, 2012. Ex-State Senator Thomas Coleman, a prominent resident of Troy, N.Y. died there Wednesday night of infirmities attendant upon old age. Mr. Coleman was born in Barnstable ...
2. William D. Murphy (1859). "Thomas Coleman". Biographical Sketches of the State Officers and Members of the Legislature of the State of New York in 1859. p. 149. Retrieved October 25, 2012.

Sources

• Documents of the Assembly (1870; Report of the Police Board)