Background
He was born on the island of Street Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. His father, Lieutenant G.W. Melliss, was an officer of the Street Helena Artillery.
He was born on the island of Street Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean. His father, Lieutenant G.W. Melliss, was an officer of the Street Helena Artillery.
After training as an engineer, and serving as an officer in the Royal Engineers, he was appointed as government surveyor in Street Helena from 1860-1871. In 1871, because of government cutbacks, he was made redundant and returned to London, where he subsequently formed the firm of J.C. Melliss and Company
In 1875 he published the work for which he is best known: "Saint Helena: A Physical, Historical and Topographical Description of the Island, including the Geology, Fauna, Flora and Meteorology". Joseph Dalton Hooker named the genus Mellissia in his honour.
To commemorate the book"s centenary in 1975, the Saint Helena Post Office published a series of stamps.
He worked for the company until 1955.
