Ho Fook
Ho Fook | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Hong Kong |
| Died | August 29, 1926 (aged 62) |
| Occupation(s) | Compradore, benefactor |
| Known for | Chief compradore of Jardine, Matheson & Co.; member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong; co-founder of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce; benefactor to educational institutions |
Ho Fook (; born 30 November 1863 – died 29 August 1926), also known as Ho Chak-sang, JP, was a distinguished Hong Kong Eurasian compradore and benefactor.
Early life
Born in Hong Kong in 1863, Ho was the son of Charles Henry Maurice Bosman, a Dutch national, and his mother Sze Sze.
Education
He received his education at the Government Central School, which was later renamed Queen's College.
Career
Following his studies, Ho initially took a position as a clerk with a Chinese shipping company based in Haiphong, subsequently working as a translator within the Registrar-General's office. In 1882, he joined the legal firm Denneys & Mossop, serving as an interpreter for three years.
By 1891, Ho advanced to assistant compradore at Jardine, Matheson & Co., working under his elder brother Robert Hotung, who was then chief compradore. Ho assumed the chief compradore role in 1900 after Robert stepped down, with their younger half-brother Ho Kom-tong acting as his assistant. Later on, Ho's son, Ho Leung, succeeded him in this capacity.
Ho was actively involved in public service roles representing the Chinese community. He was appointed Justice of the Peace in 1892 and became a member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong from 1917 until 1921 following the retirement of Wei Yuk. In 1926, he participated in the advisory committee responsible for Trade Loan allocations.
His civic contributions extended to various committees including the District Watchmen's Committee, Chinese Permanent Cemetery Committee, Chinese Public Dispensaries Committee, as well as advisory boards for prominent charitable institutions such as Tung Wah Hospital and Po Leung Kuk. Professionally, he served as managing director of the Hongkong Telegraph. Alongside Lau Chu-pak, he co-established the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce in 1900.
In 1921, together with Legislative Councilor Lau Chu Pak, Ho founded the Society for the Protection of the Mui Tsai to advocate for the controversial mui-tsai system; this organization garnered support from influential Chinese leaders including Ts'o Seen Wan, Chow Shou-son, and Ho Kom-tong.
He held the position of vice-president within the Ellis Kadoorie Chinese School Society and was a member of the governing Court at the University of Hong Kong. Ho created annual scholarships benefiting students at Queen's College and the University of Hong Kong. His financial support also contributed to establishing the University's School of Physiology.
Death
On 29 August 1926, Ho experienced a health setback and passed away later that day.
Family
Ho Fook’s father, Charles Henri Maurice Bosman (1839–1892), was of Jewish Dutch descent, while his mother Madame Sze originated from Bao'an (now Shenzhen). His siblings included Sir Robert Hotung and half-brother Ho Kom-tong—both notable figures in Hong Kong society. Significantly, Ho Kom-tong’s daughter Grace Ho was the mother of famed martial artist Bruce Lee.
Ho Fook fathered thirteen sons, five of whom survived him. All received education in England. Among them, three served as compradores at major international firms: Ho Leung succeeded him at Jardine, Matheson & Co.; Ho Iu worked at the Mercantile Bank of India, London and China; and Ho Ki held a position with E.D. Sassoon & Co.. Another son, Ho Wing—who was adopted by Robert Hotung—was compradore at the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. Additional notable sons included Ho Kwong and S. C. Ho, with S. C. Ho being a member of the Sanitary Board. Besides his sons, Ho Fook had five daughters. One grandson, Stanley Ho, emerged as a prominent figure in casino and shipping industries.
Ho Fook’s residence was located at No. 10, Caine Road, which today is occupied by Caritas House and serves as the Catholic Diocese Centre.