James Cosmo Melvill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Cosmo Melvill
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James Cosmo Melvill by Eton Upton Ellis, c.1853.
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| Born | 8 June 1792 |
| Died | 23 July 1861 (aged 69) Tandridge Court, Godstone, Surrey
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| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Administrator |
| Spouse(s) | Hester Jean Frances |
| Children | 9, including: William Henry Melvill |
| Parent(s) | Philip Melvill (father) |
| Relatives | Henry Melvill (brother) Philip Melvill (brother) Sir Peter Melvill (brother) James Cosmo Melvill (grandson) |
Sir James Cosmo Melvill (born June 8, 1792 – died July 23, 1861) was an important British administrator. He is best known for being the very last secretary of the East India Company. This company was a powerful British trading and governing body that operated in India and other parts of Asia.
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Life Story of James Cosmo Melvill
James Cosmo Melvill was born on Guernsey, an island in the English Channel. He was the third son of Philip Melvill, who later became a lieutenant-governor. James had several younger brothers, including Henry, Philip, and Sir Peter Melvill.
Starting His Career
In February 1808, when he was just 15 years old, James joined the home service of the East India Company. This meant he worked in the company's offices in Britain. He quickly moved up through the ranks.
Rising Through the Ranks
By 1824, James was made the auditor of Indian accounts. This important job involved checking the company's financial records for its operations in India. He even spoke before Parliament to defend the company's trade with China.
In 1834, he became the financial secretary. Just two years later, in 1836, he was promoted to chief secretary. This was the highest permanent position in the company. He held this role until 1858, when the East India Company stopped being a governing body.
Life After the Company
After retiring from the East India Company, James continued to serve. He was appointed as a government director for Indian railways. This shows his continued involvement in important British affairs.
He was recognized for his achievements. On January 14, 1841, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a prestigious group for top scientists and thinkers. In 1853, he was also made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB), which is a special honor from the British Crown.
James Cosmo Melvill passed away on July 23, 1861, at Tandridge Court in Surrey.
Family Life
In March 1815, James Cosmo Melvill married Hester Jean Frances. They had a large family with nine children. Their children went on to have many grandchildren, continuing the family line.
Some of their notable children included:
- Philip Melvill (1817–1854): Their eldest son, who also worked as an administrator for the East India Company. He became the Chief Commissioner for affairs in Punjab.
- James Cosmo Melvill (1821–1880): Their second son, who followed in his father's footsteps as an administrator in British India. He later became an Assistant Under-Secretary of State for India.
- Sir William Henry Melvill (1827–1911): Their third son, who became a successful lawyer. He was knighted for his services in 1887.
James and Hester's daughters also married and had families, contributing to a large network of descendants.
