Thomas Truxtun

Thomas Truxtun (or Truxton) (February 17, 1755 – May 5, 1822) was an American naval officer after the Revolutionary War, when he served as a privateer, who rose to the rank of commodore in the late eighteenth century and later served in the Quasi War with France and the First Barbary War in North Africa. He was one of the six first commanders appointed to the new US navy by President Washington. During his naval career he commanded a number of famous US naval ships including the USS Constellation and the USS President. Later in civilian life he became involved with politics and was also elected Sheriff.