Robert Louis Houston facts for kids

Sir Robert Houstoun was an important British military officer. He worked for the East India Company, which was a powerful trading company that also had its own army. He was born in 1780 and passed away in 1862.

Early Life and Military Start

Sir Robert Houstoun was born in 1780 in Jordanhill, Scotland. He was the fifth son in his family. His father, Andrew Houstoun, was a rich Scottish banker and merchant. His family had business connections in the West Indies.

In 1795, when he was just 15, Robert Houstoun joined the army. He became a cornet in the 2nd Light Cavalry of the Bengal Army. A cornet was a junior officer rank, similar to a second lieutenant.

Rising Through the Ranks

By 1800, at only 20 years old, he became an adjutant for the 6th Regiment. An adjutant is an officer who helps with administrative tasks and manages the daily activities of a military unit.

In 1803 and 1804, he served as a brigade major in two campaigns. A brigade major is a staff officer who helps a brigade commander. These campaigns were part of the Second Anglo-Maratha War. This was a conflict between the British East India Company and the Maratha Empire in India.

In 1805, he became a captain and took command of his regiment. He held this important position for nine years. In 1809, after a battle at a place called Bhowannee, he was promoted to major.

Leading Troops and Health Challenges

From 1812 to 1813, he led troops against a group called the Pindaris in Berar Province. In 1814, he was in charge of the frontier forces at Mirzapur.

After these duties, he had to return to England because he was not well. In 1817, he received a special honor. He was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. This was a very prestigious award, and he was one of the first officers in the Indian Army to receive it.

Return to India and Later Career

Sir Robert Houstoun returned to India in 1817. This was at the beginning of the Third Anglo-Maratha War. He was put in charge of the Guides and Intelligence Department. This department gathered information and guided troops.

After the war ended, he commanded a cavalry depot until 1819. Then, he was given command of forces in Malwa until 1821. Once again, he had to go back to England due to his health.

Leading at Addiscombe Seminary

In 1823, he took on a new role. He became the Lieutenant-governor of the Addiscombe Military Seminary. This was a special school where young men trained to become officers for the East India Company.

At Addiscombe, he was known for being strict but also kind. He was very welcoming to the students, called cadets. He even earned the nickname "Black Dick" because of his darker skin tone. The reason for the "Dick" part of the nickname is not known.

He left his post at Addiscombe on March 26, 1834. For his excellent service, he was given 500 guineas, which was a large sum of money at the time.

Final Promotions and Passing

In 1838, Sir Robert Houstoun received an even higher honor. He was appointed a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath. This meant he could use "Sir" before his name.

In 1854, he became a General in the East India Company's army. He passed away in Torquay, England, in 1862.

Family Life

Sir Robert Houstoun had a daughter named Rachel Houston. She married Charles Murray Barstow. Charles Murray Barstow later became the President of the Society of Accountants in Edinburgh.