Daniel Ross (marine surveyor) facts for kids
Captain Daniel Ross (born November 11, 1780 – died October 29, 1849) was a famous mapmaker and explorer. He worked for the East India Company, a powerful trading company. Ross was known for being very careful and accurate with his maps of the sea. People called him "the Father of the Indian Surveys" because of his important work.
Early Life
Daniel Ross was born in 1780. His father was Hercules Ross, a successful Scottish merchant who lived in Jamaica. His mother was Elizabeth Foord, who was a freed slave. Daniel also had a half-brother named Horatio Ross, who was a sportsman and an early photographer.
Career Highlights
Ross began his career in 1795 when he joined the Bombay Marine. This was like the navy for the East India Company.
From 1806 to 1820, he spent his time mapping the coast of China. He created detailed maps of parts of the Bohai Sea and Guangdong, as well as some eastern islands. His excellent work during this period earned him a great reputation.
Because of his amazing mapping skills, Daniel Ross was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1822. This is a very high honor for scientists and explorers.
In 1823, Ross was given a very important job. He became the Marine Surveyor General in Calcutta. This meant he was the chief mapmaker for the seas in that region. He kept this job until he retired in 1833.
After retiring from that role, he moved to Bombay. There, he became the Master Attendant, which meant he was in charge of ships and the harbor. In 1838, he was also made President of the Geographical Society of Bombay. This society studied geography and mapping.
He retired from being President in 1849 due to poor health, shortly before he passed away. The society honored him by making him Honorary President. The records of the society said that Captain Ross was known all over Europe as one of the best and most accurate mapmakers of the East. They also noted that his careful and scientific work saved the businesses of many merchants and the lives of many sailors.
Family Life
In 1809, Daniel Ross married Maria Rosa Theresa Pepin. They had six children together. Maria passed away in 1828.
