Thomas Roebuck
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- John Roebuck (grandfather)
- John Arthur Roebuck (cousin)
Thomas Roebuck | |
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| Born | 1781 Linlithgowshire, Scotland, United Kingdom |
| Died | 8 December 1819 (aged 37–38) |
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Thomas Roebuck (1781–1819) was a Scottish army officer of the East India Company, known as an orientalist and lexicographer.
A grandson of inventor John Roebuck, he was born in Linlithgowshire; politician John Arthur Roebuck was a cousin. Born in 1781, he attended school at Alloa, and then Edinburgh High School. His uncle, Benjamin Roebuck (died 1809), of the Madras civil service, found him an appointment with the East India Company, and early in 1801 he left England to enter the 17th regiment of native infantry as a cadet. He became lieutenant-captain on 17 September 1812, and captain on 15 June 1815.[1][2]
Roebuck learned Hindustani, and was asked to use it when his regiment was on active service. In poor health, he obtained leave from 1806–1809, and returned to the United Kingdom. In March 1811, Roebuck was attached to Fort William College, Madras, as assistant-secretary and examiner. He was a member of the Asiatic Society.[1]
