Alfred Dent facts for kids
Sir Alfred Dent (born 12 December 1844 – died 23 November 1927) was an important British businessman. He was known for helping to start the British North Borneo Company. This company played a big role in the history of a region now known as Sabah in Malaysia.
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Alfred Dent's Early Life
Alfred Dent was born in London, England. His father was Thomas Dent. Alfred went to a famous school called Eton College from 1858 to 1862. After finishing school, he joined his family's business, which was called Dent & Co..
Adventures in Asia
As part of his work, Alfred Dent traveled a lot in eastern and south-eastern Asia. These travels led him to a big idea. In 1878, he convinced the Sultan of Sulu to give up his claims over northern Borneo. Dent formed a group with another person named Gustav Overbeck to make this happen. Other important people who supported this idea were Sir Rutherford Alcock, Sir Harry Keppel, and Richard Biddulph Martin.
Starting the British North Borneo Company
Because of Alfred Dent's efforts, the British North Borneo Provisional Association was created in 1881. This group soon received a special permission from the British King or Queen, called a royal charter. In May 1882, it officially became the British North Borneo Company, also known as the North Borneo Chartered Company. This company then managed and developed the territory of North Borneo.
Alfred Dent became the head of his family's business, Dent Brothers and Co., which was a company of merchants in the City of London. He also held other important business positions. For example, he was in charge of the Caledonian (Ceylon) Tea and Rubber Estates and the Shanghai Electric Construction Company. He was also a director at several banks, including the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China and the London County and Westminster Bank. He also worked for the Royal Exchange Assurance Corporation.
Later Years and Achievements
In 1896, Alfred Dent married Margaret Aird. They had a son named Leslie Alfred Dent, who was born in 1897. In 1898, Dent was asked to join a special group called the Indian Currency Commission. In the same year, he was given a high honor and became a Knight Commander in the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). This meant he could use the title "Sir." He had a home in Eastbourne, a town in south-east England. In 1908, he served as the High Sheriff of Sussex, which is an important local role.
Images for kids
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Alfred Dent, a key figure in the history of North Borneo.
