Major-General Farquhar Exhibition
Sunday, 4th April 2010
The Singapore National Library launches exhibition on Major-General William Farquhar, Singapore first resident and commandant. There are close to 70 exhibits on display which traces Major-General Farquhar's military career, his role in the history of Malacca and contributions to the development of early Singapore. The exhibition is held at the National Library Building till the 31st of August 2010.
William Farquhar (1791 - 1839 @ 65-year old) and joined the East India Company as a cadet when he was 17. Arrived in Madras in 1791 and was promoted to a low-rank commissioned officer of the Madras Engineers. On 1 January 1803 he was promoted to the rank of full Captain and was posted to Malacca to acted as Resident of Malacca. Stamford Raffles appointed Farquhar as Singapore's first Resident on 17 February 1819. Due to differences between him and Raffles, he was fired from the job in 1823. Farquhar was awarded the rank of Major General retired back to Scotland in 1829. William Farquhar spoke Malay, married a Malaccan girl, Nonio Clement and had six children.