Thomas Coman
Thomas Coman (August, 1836 – October 22, 1909) was President of the New York City Board of Aldermen from 1868 to 1871, and Acting Mayor of New York for several weeks at the end of 1868 and beginning of 1869. Biography Coman was born in Ireland in August, 1836 and his family immigrated to the United States when he was two years old. They settled in New York City, and Coman was educated locally and graduated from the New York City College in 1856. At the start of his career, Coman worked as a printer, a reporter for the New York Herald, and a clerk in the New York City Post Office. He was later admitted to the bar, practiced law, and served as a Magistrate of the New York City Police Court. In September 1856 Coman became a volunteer firefighter when he joined Eagle Engine Company Number 13. He was soon elected Secretary, and in 1859 won election as Foreman. He was reelected annually until 1864 and was still in command when the volunteer fire department was replaced by a paid department in 1865. During the draft riots in 1863 Coman's fire company was among the fire units that