C M Tuckett

Harvey Garnet Phipps Tuckett (1799–1854) had a varied career that spanned military service, acting, and finance. He began as an officer in the British army, serving in England, India, and participating in the Siege of Bharatpur. Following his military retirement, Tuckett engaged in a public dispute with his former commanding officer, Lord Cardigan, which led to a duel in 1840. Tuckett was wounded but later acquitted of attempted murder. His subsequent civilian life included a period as an actor, where he gained some recognition for his portrayal of Sir John Falstaff, and ventures into business, including promoting companies that ultimately failed, leading to bankruptcy. He later moved to the United States, where he became an actuarial advisor for life insurance companies and published on the subject. Tuckett adopted U.S. nationality shortly before his death in 1854.

Harvey Garnet Phipps Tuckett entered the army in 1815, eventually serving as a lieutenant and then captain in the 11th Hussars. His service included postings in India, where he participated in the Siege of Bharatpur. During his time in India, Tuckett clashed with his commanding officer, Lord Cardigan, over discipline. After returning to England, Tuckett retired on half pay. He later wrote to a newspaper criticizing Cardigan's conduct, leading to Cardigan demanding satisfaction. The ensuing duel in 1840 resulted in Tuckett being seriously wounded in the hip. Both men faced charges, but Tuckett was acquitted of attempted murder, and Cardigan was also acquitted due to a technicality.

Following his military retirement and the duel, Tuckett pursued a career as an actor. Despite a permanent limp from his injury, he performed in various productions, notably as Sir John Falstaff in 'Henry IV Part 1,' which received some positive attention. However, many of his theatrical endeavors met with mixed reviews or short runs. Tuckett also engaged in several business ventures, including promoting gas and banking companies, and a partnership as agents, but these all failed, leading to his declaration of bankruptcy in 1842. He also briefly became involved in raising a mercenary force in Ireland before revealing the plot to authorities.

By 1847, Tuckett had relocated to America, continuing his acting career in New York and Philadelphia. After his theatrical pursuits in Philadelphia concluded, he established himself as an actuarial advisor, offering his expertise to life insurance companies. He published a pamphlet on life insurance in 1851 and launched 'Tuckett's Monthly Insurance Journal, Health and Friendly Societies' Monitor' in 1852, which he continued until his death. Tuckett became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1852. He passed away in Philadelphia in 1854.