John Alexander Paul Macgregor facts for kids
John Alexander Paul Macgregor (born John Alexander Paul in 1780 – died 5 March 1868) was a high-ranking officer. He served in the Bengal Army, which was the army of the East India Company in India.
Early Life and Family Connections
John Alexander Paul was born in 1780. His father, Lachlan Paul, was also an officer in the Bengal Army. Sadly, his father died when John was very young.
John's mother, Drummond Mary, came from an important Scottish family, the clan Gregor. After John's father passed away, his mother married John Macgregor, a banker.
John's uncle, a Commodore in the navy, left his property to John. But there was a condition: John had to change his last name to Macgregor. So, he did!
Many of John Macgregor's relatives were involved in the military. For example, his grandfather fought in a famous battle in Scotland. His uncle, Sir John MacGregor, was also an officer in the East India Company and became a very important leader.
Military Service in India
John Macgregor started his military career very early. He was appointed a "minor cadet" in the Bengal Army in 1781, when he was just a baby! This was a way for the East India Company to honor loyal families.
He became a full cadet in 1795 and arrived in India in 1797. Soon after, he became an Ensign and then a Lieutenant.
Macgregor fought in the Fourth Mysore War (1798–99). This was an important conflict in India. He took part in battles like Malavelly and the Siege of Seringapatam.
After this war, he continued to serve in different battalions. He fought in the Battle of Delhi in 1803, which was part of the Second Anglo-Maratha War.
He was promoted to Captain in 1805. For several years, he worked as an aide-de-camp (a personal assistant) to the Governor-General.
Macgregor held various important roles. He became a Deputy Military Auditor-General in 1813. This job involved checking the army's finances. During this time, he received many promotions:
- Major in 1814
- Lieutenant-Colonel in 1818
- Colonel in 1829
In 1830, he became the Military Auditor-General. He was promoted to Major-General in 1837. He left his Auditor-General role in 1846.
Later that year, he became a Lieutenant-General. His final promotion was in 1854, when he became a full General. General John Alexander Paul Macgregor passed away in London in 1868.
Family Life
In 1807, Alexander Paul MacGregor married Jane Ness. They had several children together:
- George Hall Macgregor: He became a Major-General and served in the Bengal Artillery.
- Fanny Emily Macgregor
- Eliza Macgregor: She married Sir Frederick James Halliday, who later became the Lieutenant-Governor of Bengal.
- Fitz James Stewart Macgregor
- Frederick Sackville Macgregor
