Buxton, Thomas Fowell (1786–1845)

English philanthropist and politician. Though he worked strenuously for prison reform, and tried to carry a scheme for bettering the condition of the African negroes, his life work was to promote emancipation of slaves throughout the British dominions. In this cause he proved himself a worthy successor to William Wilberforce, whom he followed as leader of the anti-slavery party in 1824.

Buxton was born in Earl's Colne, Essex, England. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin. From 1818–37 he represented Weymouth as a member of Parliament; his opposition to bribery caused him to lose his seat. He published African Slave Trade (1838) and The Remedy (1840).