Frederick Henry de Vos facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Henry de Vos
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| Born | 14 September 1857 Galle, Ceylon
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| Died | 23 July 1920 (aged 62) Galle, Ceylon
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| Occupation | lawyer, genealogist, historian |
Frederick Henry de Vos (born September 14, 1857 – died July 23, 1920) was a lawyer, family historian, and history writer from Ceylon (which is now Sri Lanka). He could speak many languages, including Dutch, English, French, and Flemish. He wrote several important papers about the Dutch East India Company and its time in Ceylon.
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Early Life and Family
Frederick Henry de Vos was born in Galle, Ceylon, on September 14, 1857. He was the oldest of sixteen children. His father, Frederick William de Vos, was also a lawyer. His mother was Henrietta Dorothea Anthonisz. Her brother was Peter Daniel Anthonisz.
Education and Legal Career
De Vos went to St John's College, Cambridge University for his studies. After that, he went to London to study law at the Inner Temple. He became a lawyer on November 17, 1881, when he was 24 years old.
When he returned to Ceylon, he became an Advocate. This meant he could represent people in the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka. He also became a Justice of the Peace. This role allowed him to help keep order and deal with minor legal issues. In April 1903, he worked as a temporary judge in Galle. He also served as a Commissioner of Requests and a Visitor of the Prison there.
Military Service
De Vos also served in the military. He was part of the Ceylon Light Infantry Volunteers. In 1891, he was promoted to Lieutenant. Later, he became a Captain.
Historian and Genealogist
Frederick Henry de Vos was a member of the Society of Dutch Literature. In 1912, he became the third president of the Dutch Burgher Union of Ceylon. He knew a lot about Dutch history and the Dutch language. He spent much time translating and putting together family histories, called genealogies, for the Dutch Burgher Union families. His translation of the Beknopte Historie for the Ceylon Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society is one of his most important works.
Later Life
Frederick Henry de Vos passed away in Galle on July 23, 1920. He was 62 years old. He is buried at the Galle Dutch Reformed Church.
