Superintendent Gavin Miller – Airdrie Rural Police 1844-1858
Superintendent Gavin Miller – Airdrie Rural Police
There will be a new addition to the Scottish Police Memorial at the Scottish Police College, Tulliallan on Wednesday the 4th of September 2019.
Superintendent Gavin Miller, of the Airdrie Rural Police, died on 21st of March 1858. Superintendent Millar had been on duty at the police buildings in Airdrie and had completed a parade and inspection of his officers. He took unwell and collapsed within the police office.
He was taken home to ‘Rosevale’, Clark Street, Airdrie where he later died.
Superintendent Miller was born on the 3rd of April 1805 in Airdrie.
He was raised in the town where he became a weaver by trade.
On the 6th of April 1822, at the age of 17, he joined the 5th Regiment of Foot in Glasgow.
He married Janet Dick on the 22nd of October 1826 in Glasgow. They had four daughters. All four daughters emigrated to New Zealand following their mothers death some years later.
He served in the army for just over 22 years reaching the rank of colour sergeant, which he held between 30th March 1839 and his discharge on the 9th of May 1844.
Gavin served in numerous locations around the world including The West Indies, Gibraltar, Malta and Ireland. He was discharged with Exemplary service.
On leaving the army he returned home to Airdrie where he joined the rural police, living in Graham Street, Airdrie. He was appointed Superintendent of the Rural Police on the 1st of March 1849, a position he held until his death in 1858.
He was known locally as “Captain” Miller due this title being used prior to Superintendent of Police.
The story of Superintendent Miller was provided to the Lanarkshire Police Historical Society by his great, great, great Niece, Diana Douglas, who lives in Dunfermline.
We researched the background of Superintendent Millers death and forwarded it to the Scottish Police Memorial Trust, who have agreed that his name should be placed on the memorial.
