Alexander Beatson facts for kids

Alexander Beatson (1758–1830) was an important officer who worked for the East India Company. He was also the governor of St. Helena, an island, and he loved trying out new ways to farm.

Alexander Beatson's Life

Alexander Beatson was born in 1758 in Scotland. He joined the East India Company's army in 1775. This company was a powerful British trading group that also had its own army in India. Beatson became a low-ranking officer, called an ensign, in the Madras infantry in 1776.

Military Career in India

Beatson served as an engineer officer during a war against Hyder Ali. Later, as a lieutenant, he worked with a special unit called the Guides. This was during Lord Cornwallis's military campaigns against Tippu Sultan.

Eight years later, in 1799, Beatson was a field officer. He was the main surveyor for the army led by Lieutenant-general Harris. This army captured a place called Seringapatam during the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War. Beatson became a colonel on January 1, 1801.

Governor of St. Helena

After leaving India, Beatson became the governor of St. Helena from 1808 to 1813. At that time, the island belonged to the East India Company. The island was facing many problems. A sickness called measles had caused many deaths. Even though new people came from England and China, the island was still struggling.

The company's rules, like stopping alcohol sales, made many people unhappy. This led to a rebellion in 1811. Governor Beatson handled the situation firmly and brought things under control. He also started better farming methods and made many other helpful changes on the island.

Later Life and Farming

After returning to England, Beatson spent a lot of time on farming experiments. He did this at Knole farm and Henley in Frant, Sussex. He continued to rise in military rank, becoming a major-general in July 1810 and a lieutenant-general in June 1814. He passed away on October 15, 1830.

Family Life

On December 28, 1805, Alexander Beatson married Davidson Reid. She was 18 years old at the time. After his death, she moved back to her family in Edinburgh, Scotland. She is buried in the churchyard of St John's on Princes Street.

Davidson Reid was born in Kinghorn in Fife. Her parents were David Reid and Jean Renny. Alexander and Davidson had 13 children together.

Written Works

Alexander Beatson wrote several books and papers:

• An Account of the Isles of France and Bourbon, from 1794. This book was never printed and is still a handwritten document at the British Library.
• A View of the Origin and Conduct of the War against Tippoo Sultaun (London, 1800). This book was about the war against Tippoo Sultan.
• Tracts relative to the Island of St. Helena, with pictures (London, 1816). He also wrote other smaller works about the island and contributed to the St. Helena Monthly Register.
• A New System of Cultivation without Lime or Dung, or Summer Fallowing, as practised at Knole Farm, Sussex (London, 1820). This book shared his ideas on new farming methods. He also wrote various papers about improvements in agriculture.