Thomas Westbrook Waldron (consul) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas W. Waldron
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Wreath laying at Waldron's grave
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| United States Consul to Hong Kong and Macau | |
| In office July 21, 1843 – September 8, 1844 |
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| President | John Tyler |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Succeeded by | Frederick Busch |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Westbrook Waldron
May 1, 1814 United States |
| Died | September 18, 1844 (aged 30) Macau |
| Resting place | Old Protestant Cemetery, Macau |
| Parents | Daniel Waldron and Olive Sheafe |
| Occupation | Captain's clerk, U.S. Navy; U.S. Consul to Hong Kong, naval store keeper to the US East India Squadron |
Thomas Westbrook Waldron was an important person in early American history. He worked as a clerk on a big trip called the Wilkes Expedition, which explored many parts of the world. He also became the very first United States consul in Hong Kong. A consul is like a country's official representative in another country, helping citizens and businesses. In 2009, a special ceremony honored his work, led by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
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About Thomas Waldron's Family
Thomas Waldron was born on May 1, 1814. He was the youngest of eight children. His parents were Daniel Waldron and Olive Huske Sheafe Waldron. They lived in Dover, New Hampshire. Thomas was named after his grandfather, who was also called Thomas Westbrook Waldron. He had an older cousin with the same name, but that cousin had moved away before Thomas was born.
Exploring the World with the Wilkes Expedition
Thomas Waldron joined the Wilkes Expedition with his oldest brother, Richard Russell Waldron. This amazing expedition explored many places. They traveled to parts of the coast of Antarctica. They also visited some islands in the Pacific Ocean. The expedition even explored the coast of what is now Washington state in the U.S. A Waldron Glacier in Antarctica is named after Thomas Waldron. There is also a place called Waldron Island, which is named after either him or his brother.
First U.S. Consul in Hong Kong and Macau
In December 1843, President John Tyler chose Thomas Waldron to be the United States consul in Hong Kong. It's not fully clear why he was chosen for this important job. He traveled to nearby Macau for official business. Sadly, he became sick with cholera and passed away on September 18, 1844. He is buried in the Old Protestant Cemetery in Macau.
Honoring Thomas Waldron's Service
On May 1, 2009, a special event was held to honor several diplomats. These were people who had passed away while serving their country. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton honored Thomas Waldron at this ceremony. Later that same month, a second ceremony took place at his burial site. This was at the Old Protestant Cemetery in Macau.
Places Named After Thomas Waldron
As mentioned, the Waldron Glacier in Antarctica is named after Thomas Waldron. Also, Waldron Island is located in the San Juan Islands. These islands are off the coast of Puget Sound. Waldron Island is named after either Thomas or his brother Richard.
