Key Dates in Wiliam Haslam’s Life, some gleaned from WH’s writing, but mostly supplied by Richard Hyphen-Hyphen (né Sharples), William Haslam’s great great-grandson, and members of his family. The details are believed to be correct, but will be updated as when other information becomes available.
1790 June 12: William Haslam’s father, Thomas Haslam, born the son of John and Sarah Haslam, of East Side, Bethnal Green. John Haslam was at The Curtain Theatre, Shoreditch.
1709 July 6: Thomas Haslam baptised.
1809 February 13: Thomas Haslam nominated by John Travers, a director of the company for entry to the Honourable United East India Company.
1809 October 27: Thomas Haslam arrived in India, and joined the Cadet College, Barasat on arrival.
1809 August 25: Thomas Haslam posted as an Ensign to the 26th Regt, Bengal Native Infantry.
1811 August 26: Thomas Haslam transferred to the 20th (or Marine) Regt, BNI.
1811 February 19: Thomas Haslam marries Miss Eliza Pyefinch at Calcutta.
1814 December 16: Thomas Haslam promoted to Lieutenant.
1815 to 1818: Thomas Haslam serving with the detachments of the 20th (or Marine) Regt BNI in the Bencoolen Garrison.
1818 Monday January 5: William Haslam born in Sumatra to Thomas Haslam and Eliza (née Pyefinch). WH was one of seven children.
1819 December 1: William Haslam baptised at Fort Marlborough, Sumatra. It is likely that in his very early years William was moved from Fort Marlborough (also known as Bencoolen) to the East India Company’s facilities in Calcutta as living conditions in Fort Marlborough were very severe.
1823 (if not slightly earlier), WH’s father is transferred to Barrackpore (near Calcutta), West Bengal, India.
1823 October 16: Thomas Haslam serves as Interpreter and Quartermaster to the 2nd Btn, 20th Regt.
1824 February 19: Thomas Haslam officiating as Adjutant of 2/20th Regt, BNI.
1824 March 17: Thomas Haslam is Acting Brigade Major in the First Burma War to the troops on the Chittagong frontier.
