Paxton, Charles (1708-1788)

Customs commissioner.

Surveyor and searcher of the port of Boston (1760). Marshal of the Vice-Admiralty Court. Friend of Charles Townshend, whom he visited in England (1766-67). Advised Townshend on establishment of the American Board of Customs and on Townshend duties. One of the five original members of the Customs Board. Zealously enforced customs restrictions; bitterly unpopular with Boston merchants. Moved to England during the Revolutionary War. Later received £800 compensation for property losses, as well as £500 per annum for lost salary.

Native of Boston. Apparently unmarried; left his fortune to Mrs. Elizabeth Hatch of Pangbourne, Berkshire, and her daughters.