William Millar 
Biography of William Millar
William Millar matriculated as an Arts student at the University of Glasgow in 1780. He was born on 24 May 1765 in Glasgow, the third son of John Millar, Regius Professor of Civil Law at the University from 1761 to 1800. He was one of four brothers to attend the University: John, James, and Archibald, who matriculated in 1774, 1775 and 1780 respectively.
Millar went on to pursue a successful military career, rising through the ranks from Second Lieutenant of the Royal Artillery in 1781 to Lieutenant General in 1837. He served eighteen years in the West Indies, and was present at the capture of most of the French islands during the early part of the Revolutionary Wars.
He was also appointed Assistant in the Royal Carriage Department of Woolwich Arsenal in 1804, and was the originator of ten inch and eight inch shell guns, having designed the 'pressor carriage'. Having an aptitude for the armaments, Millar was also appointed Inspector General of Artillery in 1827, and Director General of the Field Train Department in 1833.
Millar died near Hastings, from self inflicted injuries, on 14 March 1838.
Sources
Other Online Resources
Archival Materials
- Addison, W Innes, The Matriculation Albums of the University of Glasgow (Glasgow, 1913)
Summary
William Millar
Born 24 May 1765.
Died 14 March 1838.
GU Degree: Arts, 1780;
University Link: Student
Occupation categories: military
English snippet: Arts student at the University of GLasgow in 1780, son of Regius Professor of Civil Law, John MillarRecord last updated: 30th Jul 2014
Country Associations
Scotland, Glasgow
Place of Birth
England, Hastings
Place of Death
Jamaica, No Region
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, No Region
University Connections
University Roles
- Student