Shih Ch'ung

Shih Ch'ung was a Chinese iron merchant and official regarded as probably the wealthiest man of his period.

Born as the sixth and youngest son of Shih Pao from Nan-p'i (near present day Tientsin), Shih Ch’ung began his career as local official eventually reaching the highest level in central officialdom. For his merits he was ennobled as Duke of the Lo-ling Commandery. Except for the distinguished career in the government, Shih Ch’ung was also a prominent and affluent businessman. His extreme wealth Shih Ch’ung gained mainly through iron trade in Yeh in Honan.