Charles Henderson Ross

Charles Henderson Ross
Born	Scotland
Died	November 23, 1919(1919-11-23) (aged 55)
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, Businessman
Known for	Tai-pan of Jardine, Matheson & Co., Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong

Charles Henderson Ross (23 July 1864 – 23 November 1919) was a prominent Scottish entrepreneur, serving as tai-pan of Jardine, Matheson & Co. and holding a seat on the Legislative Council of Hong Kong.

Biography

Born on 23 July 1864 to Captain Horatio Ross of Rossie and Christian Henderson, Ross spent a considerable part of his career across Asia. His early years were spent in India before relocating to Tianjin and Shanghai. Amid the Boxer Rebellion, he volunteered under General Alfred Gaselee in Tianjin, earning the Boxer medal with two clasps. Additionally, he participated in the Shanghai light horse and commanded the Hong Kong mounted troop.

Ross joined Jardine, Matheson & Co., then recognized as the largest trading enterprise in the Far East, and relocated to Hong Kong in 1910. In 1912, Henry Keswick appointed him as his proxy through a power of attorney, during which Ross acted on the Legislative Council while Keswick was on leave between 1911 and 1913.

His leadership extended across multiple organizations: he was a Director at the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank and Peak Tramways; chaired both the Whampoa Dock Co. and Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf Co.; served as a member of Green Island Cement; led the Land Investment Agency as Chairman; and held directorships at Land Reclamation and West Point Building Companies. His business interests primarily encompassed sugar, cotton, ice production, insurance, and machinery sectors where Jardine Matheson operated as agents.

Ross played a foundational role in establishing the Hong Kong Scouts Company, supervising training efforts within the New Territories. He also served as a Steward at the Hong Kong Jockey Club. His civic contributions included acting as treasurer for the Coronation Fund, participating in horticultural exhibitions, and donating land for a YMCA tennis court located at East Point.

In 1913, Ross departed Hong Kong aboard the SS Siberia to oversee Jardine Matheson's London operations—a position he assumed following Keswick's appointment in 1914. He represented Hong Kong at the Imperial Council of Commerce in 1916.

Ross passed away in London on 23 November 1919, leaving an estate valued at £78,000. In 1910, he had married Eveline Isabel Bernard.