Andrew Geddis facts for kids
Andrew Geddis (born July 1886 – died 23 February 1976) was an important businessman and a big fan of sports in Bombay (now called Mumbai). He lived there for many years before India became independent.
Contents
Andrew Geddis: A Life in India
Andrew Geddis moved from Edinburgh, Scotland, to Bombay, India, in 1907. He started working for a company called James Finlay & Co. Ltd. Over time, he became a very successful businessman.
Leading the Horse Racing World
Andrew Geddis loved horse racing. He was the Chairman of the Royal Western India Turf Club from 1931 to 1939. This club was very important for horse racing in India. He even helped start a special race called the A. Geddis Plate in Mumbai. He was also the Chairman of the Turf Club House in Poona.
Business Ventures and Success
Mr. Geddis had many different business interests. He was a director at the Bank of India Ltd. He also helped start a company called Geoffrey Manners & Co. Ltd. This company grew to be a major distributor of health products and medicines across India. Later, it joined with a big global company called Wyeth Corporation.
He was also very involved in the Ahmedabad textile industry. He was a director for several textile companies, like the Ahmedabad Jubilee Spinning & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. He also led the Mill Owners' Mutual Insurance Association Ltd from when it first started.
Other Important Roles
Andrew Geddis had many other important roles. He was a director for the Tata Hydroelectric Power Supply Co., Ltd., which provided electricity. He also worked with the Indian Radio & Cable Communications Co. For 13 years, he was part of the G. I. P. Railway Advisory committee. In 1920, he joined the Board of Trustees for the Bombay Port Trust, which managed the city's important port.
Community and Home Life
Beyond business, Andrew Geddis cared about his community. He was the Chairman of the Bombay Scottish Orphanage Society. He also led the Caledonia Society of Bombay, which was for Scottish people living in the city.
When he first arrived in India, he lived in a shared house called a Chummery in Pali Hill. After he married Jean Gunn in 1915, they moved to Dharbanga Mansions on Cumballa Hill. Later, they lived in a famous art deco building called Kamal Mahal on Carmichael Road in South Mumbai. This area was known for being one of the most expensive places to live in the world. He also had a beach house in Juhu.
Images for kids
-
Kamal Mahal atop Cumballa Hill in 1940
