Thomas Clarkson, (c. January 26, 1802 – May 4, 1874), was an English Canadian merchant, banker, businessman, receiver, director, and associated with the Family Compact, although was noted for his desire to increase free trade relations with the United States whom he described as "Canada's most important traders and partners", even advocating for an ambassador be sent to D.C. to exert "some active, intelligent, and influential representation of the commercial interests of Canada near the controlling power of the United States" and reciprocity with the British West India Island. He established the trustee and receivership business which would eventually become Clarkson Gordon in 1864 and was a founder, incorporator and first president of the Toronto Board of Trade, president of the Commercia