Alexander Dirom facts for kids

Lieutenant General Alexander Dirom (born May 21, 1757 – died October 6, 1830) was a British military leader. He served in faraway places like Barbados, Jamaica, and India. He is remembered not only as a soldier but also as someone who improved farming. His work earned him a place in important groups like the Royal Society of London and the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

One of his most important ideas was showing how vital salt is for animals. This led to the widespread use of "salt-licks" for livestock starting around 1800. He also shared his thoughts on how Britain traded corn (grain), which influenced new laws about trade in the early 1800s.

His Life and Military Career

Alexander Dirom was born in Banffshire, Scotland. His father, also named Alexander Dirom, was a leader in the town of Banff.

He began his military career in 1778 as an ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He later became a lieutenant. He served with his regiment in Barbados in 1780 and in Jamaica from 1780 to 1784. In Jamaica, he worked as a military secretary and a major.

In 1783, he traveled to St. Domingo (now Haiti) to arrange an exchange of prisoners of war. He returned to England in 1784. Later, he served in India, helping Major General Sir Archibald Campbell. While in India, Dirom fought against Tippoo Sahib in the Third Mysore War.

Because of his important contributions, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1795. The next year, in 1796, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He passed away in Annan, Scotland, on October 6, 1830.

His Family

Alexander Dirom had a sister named Sophia Dirom. She married Captain George Duff, a naval officer who was sadly killed during the famous Battle of Trafalgar.

In 1793, Alexander Dirom married Magdalen Passley. She was from Mount Annan in Dumfriesshire, and her family was quite wealthy. After their marriage, Alexander Dirom became known as Dirom of Mount Annan. They had 12 children together, including several sons who also served in the military, such as Lieutenant John Pasley Dirom and Captain Alexander Dirom. One of their daughters, Leonora Anne Dirom, married Reverend William Muir.

Artistic Recognition

There is a portrait that is thought to be of Alexander Dirom. However, it shows his face painted onto the body of a junior officer in a uniform from a regiment he never actually belonged to.