Thomas Turner (23 December 1807 – 24 March 1883) was a United States Navy rear admiral.

[3][4] Remaining with the Mediterranean Squadron, Turner rejoined the Constellation in 1834 and then was reassigned to the frigate USS Delaware in 1835.

From 1838 to 1841, he was assigned to the frigate USS Columbia in the East India Squadron, participating in the Second Sumatran expedition.

In March 1860, he participated in the Battle of Antón Lizardo at Veracruz, capturing the steamers Marques de Habana and General Miramón.

[3][4] Though born and raised in Virginia and a first cousin once removed of Robert E. Lee,[5] Turner remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War.

[4][6] Turner was given command of the armored frigate USS New Ironsides and commended by Rear Adm. Samuel F. Du Pont for his actions during the First Battle of Charleston Harbor in April 1863.

Turner's ships provided aid after the August 1868 Arica, Peru earthquake in present-day Chile.

[1][10] He accompanied and helped document Stephen W. Kearny's 1845–1847 expedition to the Rocky Mountains, California and New Mexico.

[10][12] He left military service in July 1848[10] and settled in Missouri, becoming a banker and serving in the state House of Representatives (1858–1859) and on the St. Louis common council.