Charles John Irving facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles John Irving
|
|
|---|---|
| Resident Councillor of Penang | |
| In office 1885–1887 |
|
| Preceded by | Major Samuel Dunlop (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Allan Maclean Skinner |
| Acting Lieutenant-Governor of Penang | |
| In office 10 February 1879 – 16 May 1880 |
|
| Preceded by | Major General Edward Anson |
| Succeeded by | Major General Edward Anson |
| Acting Colonial Secretary of Straits Settlements | |
| In office 1875 – 17 February 1876 |
|
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Governor | Sir William Jervois |
| Preceded by | William Willans (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Douglas |
| Auditor-General of Straits Settlements | |
| In office 1867–1879 |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 February 1831 Isabelle Place, Camberwell, London |
| Died | 23 February 1917 (aged 86) Sarlsdowr, Exmouth |
| Spouse | Mary Jane Tompkins |
| Parents |
|
Charles John Irving (born February 7, 1831 – died February 23, 1917) was an important British civil servant. He worked in the Malay Peninsula, which is now part of Malaysia. He helped manage the British colonies there.
Contents
Charles Irving's Career
Charles Irving started his career in government offices. From 1852 to 1853, he worked in the Colonial and Immigration Office. This office handled matters for British colonies and people moving there.
He then worked in the Audit Office in Mauritius from 1853 to 1864. An Audit Office checks government money to make sure it is spent correctly.
Understanding Local Cultures
Charles Irving was special because he took the time to learn about the Malay people. He studied their political systems and social customs. This made him an expert on "native affairs" in the Malay Peninsula. This meant he understood the local ways and leaders.
Because of his knowledge, important governors like Governor Ord and Governor Anson asked for his help. They used his skills in different talks and agreements. For example, in 1871, Governor Anson sent Irving to meet Sultan Abdul Samad. Their goal was to bring order back to the area of Langat.
Key Roles in Government
Charles Irving held many important jobs:
- He was the acting Lieutenant-Governor of Penang from 1879 to 1880. This role was like being in charge of the island of Penang.
- He served as the Resident Councillor of Penang from 1885 to 1887. This was another top leadership position in Penang.
- From 1867 to 1879, he was the Colonial Auditor General for the Straits Settlements. This meant he was in charge of checking the government's money in this group of British territories.
- He was also the acting Colonial Secretary of Straits Settlements from 1875 to 1876. This job was like a chief administrator for the entire Straits Settlements.
He worked under several governors, including Sir Harry Ord, Edward Anson, and Sir William Jervois.
Royal Asiatic Society
Charles Irving was also a member of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society in Singapore. This society was a group of people interested in the history, culture, and science of Asia. He even acted as the society's president around 1883.
Honours and Awards
In 1881, Charles Irving received a special award. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). This is an honour given by the British monarch for important service to the country.
