An accomplished musician, Haggar left home at the age of eighteen and joined a troupe of travelling players, working as a stage carpenter. In 1870 he married Sarah Walton, daughter of Richard Walton proprietor of a travelling theatre.
A skilled musician, Haggar departed his home at eighteen to join a group of itinerant performers, working as a set builder. In 1870 he wedded Sarah Walton, daughter of Richard Walton, proprietor of an itinerant theatre.