John Frederick Dickson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Frederick Dickson
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| 5th Colonial Secretary of Straits Settlements | |
| In office 17 November 1885 – 31 August 1891 |
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| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Governor | Sir Frederick Weld Sir Cecil Clementi Smith |
| Preceded by | Sir Cecil Clementi Smith |
| Succeeded by | Arthur Philip Talbot (Acting) William Edward Maxwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 September 1835 |
| Died | 21 December 1891 (aged 56) Paddington, London |
| Spouse |
Emily Ayton Lee (Lady Dickson)
(m. 1875–1891) |
| Profession | Colonial Administrator |
Sir John Frederick Dickson (born September 17, 1835 – died December 21, 1891) was an important British administrator. He worked in Singapore and helped manage the government there. He was also the head of the Straits Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society for several years. He even translated some old texts, like the Upasampadā-kammavācā and the Patimokkha.
His School Days
John Frederick Dickson went to school at Westminster School. After that, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford university. He earned his first degree in 1859 and a master's degree in 1873.
Working in Government
Dickson started his career in 1859 in Ceylon (which is now called Sri Lanka). He worked there for many years, even becoming a special government agent for a province.
In 1885, Dickson moved to Singapore. He became the new Colonial Secretary for the Straits Settlements. He took over from Cecil Clementi Smith, who became the Governor. Dickson served as Colonial Secretary until 1891.
During his time, he sometimes took over the duties of the governor. This happened three times: in 1887, 1889, and 1890, when the governors were away.
As Colonial Secretary, he made sure that important historical sites were looked after. He told the Public Works Department to maintain old inscriptions, granite stones, and brickwork in the cemetery on Government Hill.
His Family Life
J. Frederick Dickson was married twice. His first wife passed away in 1866. He then married Emily Ayton Lee in 1875. She was known as Lady Dickson and lived until 1924.
Awards and Recognition
Dickson received special honours for his work. He was made a C.M.G. in 1883 and a K.C.M.G. in 1888. These are important awards from the British government.
A town in Malaysia was even named after him! The resort town of Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan is named in his honour. People often call it PD.
His Passing
Sir John Frederick Dickson passed away in 1891 in Paddington, London.
