Alfred Ross

Background

Ross was born in London, his father being then a member of the board of Commissioners of Customs.

Career

After being educated at a private school Alfred Ross in 1833 entered the office of Duncan Dunbar, then one of the largest export merchants and ship owners in London. In November, 1841, Ross left London for Sydney to commence business on his own account and also to superintend Dunbar"s affairs in and Tasmania. In 1845 Ross joined his business with that of William Westgarth, then in Melbourne, and the firm traded under the name Westgarth, Ross, and Company, which between 1850 and 1860 became a very extensive concern.

James Spowers became part proprietor of The Argus in 1876, and died in 1879 while William Westgarth died in 1890.

Ross, though taking a keen interest in all political and public matters was unable from stress of business to devote much personal attention to politics. Ross was however nominated to the Legislative Council by Sir Charles Hotham on 12 August 1854 replacing Edward Stone Parker.

Ross retained his seat until March 1856, soon afterwards the new constitution of Victoria as a colony with responsible government was enacted after which he did not again seek to enter Parliament. Ross was the first chairman of directors of the London Chartered Bank in 1852 and was largely interested in the opening up of the bank"s business, on his own behalf and on that of the late Duncan Dunbar, one of the original founders of the bank in London.

Ross resigned his directorship in 1861, when he left the colony for a visit to London.

Foreign over 42 years he was a director of the Northern Assurance Company, and for many years was the chairman of the board, a position which he held at the time of his death. In 1869 he was appointed a trustee of the Melbourne Savings Bank, which position he retained until 1880, when he was appointed by the Governor in Council one of the Commissioners of Savings Bank of Victoria, an office which he resigned on visiting Europe in 1888. Ross was one of the trustees under the Edward Wilson trust.

Ross died at his residence 39 Westbury-street, Street Kilda, Victoria on 18 July 1896, he was buried at the Melbourne General Cemetery.

Connections

Partner:

James Spowers