James Matheson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir James Matheson
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James Matheson (published 1837)
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| Member of Parliament for Ashburton |
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| In office 1843–1847 |
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| Preceded by | William Jardine |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Matheson |
| Member of Parliament for Ross and Cromarty |
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| In office 1852–1868 |
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| Preceded by | James Mackenzie |
| Succeeded by | Alexander Matheson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 November 1796 Shiness, Lairg, Scotland |
| Died | 31 December 1878 (aged 82) Menton, France |
| Citizenship | British |
| Political party | Whig |
| Occupation | Tai-Pan |
| Known for | Co-founder of Jardine Matheson & Co. |
Sir James Nicolas Sutherland Matheson (1796–1878) was a very successful Scottish businessman. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group that promotes science. Born in Shiness, Scotland, he went to the Royal High School and the University of Edinburgh. He is best known for co-founding a huge trading company called Jardine Matheson & Co. with William Jardine. This company is still very important today.
Contents
Building a Business in China
After finishing university, James Matheson worked in London for two years. Then, he moved to Calcutta, India, to work for his uncle's trading company.
One day, he forgot to deliver an important letter for his uncle. This made his uncle upset. So, James decided to go back to Britain. But, he met an old sea captain who convinced him to go to Canton (now Guangzhou) in China instead.
Meeting William Jardine
James Matheson first met William Jardine in 1820 in Bombay, India. Later, they decided to work together. Their new company first traded between Canton, Bombay, and Calcutta. This was called the "country trade." Soon, they expanded their business to London.
In 1827, James started the Canton Register. This was the first English newspaper in China. It helped share news and information.
Founding Jardine, Matheson and Company
On July 1, 1832, James Matheson and William Jardine officially formed their company. It was called Jardine, Matheson and Company. They chose the Chinese name 'Ewo' (怡和), which means "Happy Harmony." This name was chosen because an older company with that name had a very good reputation.
In 1834, the British government changed the rules for trade with China. The British East India Company no longer had a special right to all trade. Jardine, Matheson and Company quickly took this chance to grow. Their ship, the Sarah, made the first trip carrying tea to England. From its base in Hong Kong, Jardine Matheson became the biggest British trading company in Asia.
After William Jardine passed away in 1843, James Matheson continued to run the company. He was known as the Tai-Pan, which means the head of a big foreign business in China. James Matheson later retired and handed over the company to Jardine's nephews.
In 1834, James Matheson became the chairman of a new group. It was called the "Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge in China." This group wanted to share helpful information and ideas in China. Many important business people and missionaries were part of this society.
Life Back in Scotland
In 1844, James Matheson bought the Isle of Lewis in Scotland. He paid a lot of money for it. He then built a large home called Lews Castle near Stornoway. To make improvements, he helped over 500 families move from the island to Canada. He also became the second-largest landowner in Britain.
He started many projects to improve the island. These included better drainage and building new roads. During the Highland Potato Famine, he spent even more money to help the people. Between 1851 and 1855, he helped 1,771 people move to new places.
Public Life and Legacy
James Matheson was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1846. Because of his efforts during the potato famine, he was given the title of baronet in 1851. This meant he became "Sir James Matheson."
He also became a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Ashburton from 1843 to 1852. Then, he represented Ross and Cromarty from 1852 to 1868. He was also the chairman of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company for many years. His nephews continued to run Jardine Matheson after him.
James Matheson passed away in 1878 in France at the age of 82. He had married Mary Jane Perceval, but they did not have any children. So, his special title of baronet ended with him. His estate on the Isle of Lewis went to his widow and then to his nephews.
His wife built a memorial to him at Lews Castle. He also left money to help build the harbor at Port of Ness.
Images for kids
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James Matheson Memorial built in 1880 in Stornoway Castle Grounds refurbished in 2006
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James Matheson's Tomb in Lairg Scotland
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Poppy Wreath in James Matheson's Tomb in Lairg Scotland
