Lachlan, R. (Robert)

Major Robert Lachlan was a well-known British military officer, natural history enthusiast, and educator in the 1800s. He served in the 17th Regiment of Foot in India for 20 years before settling in Canada in 1835. In the 1830s and 1850s, he became an important civic leader in Montreal and then in Colchester, Ontario. In 1852, he was named president of the Natural History Society of Montreal. Lachlan wrote several historical surveys and played a key role in building early Canadian scientific organizations. After moving to Ontario, he became the first president of the local agricultural society. He gave a well-known inaugural "Discourse," where he encouraged the creation of agricultural libraries, the use of scientific farming methods, and competitive exhibitions to motivate local farmers. Later, he wrote about his frustrations with how military men were paid, publishing "How Patriotic Services are Rewarded in Canada."