Thomas Miller, Lord Glenlee facts for kids
Sir Thomas Miller (born November 3, 1717 – died September 27, 1789) was a very important person in Scottish history. He was a skilled lawyer, a respected judge, and a politician. He was also known by his special titles, Lord Barskimming and later Lord Glenlee, which he received during his time as a judge. Sir Thomas was also one of the people who helped start the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1783, and he was its first vice-president for a few years.
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Early Life and Education
Thomas Miller was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on November 3, 1717. His parents were Janet Hamilton and William Miller. His family came from places called Glenlee and Barskimming.
He decided to study law when he was young. He went to the University of Glasgow in 1730 and then continued his studies at the University of Edinburgh in 1738.
His Career as a Lawyer and Judge
After finishing his studies, Thomas Miller became a lawyer in 1742. This meant he could argue cases in court.
He quickly took on many important roles:
- In 1748, he became a local judge, called a sheriff-depute, in Kirkcudbright.
- He also helped manage the city of Glasgow as a joint town-clerk.
- In 1755, he started working as a lawyer for the tax department in Scotland.
Becoming a Top Legal Advisor
Thomas Miller continued to move up in his career.
- In 1759, he was chosen to be the Solicitor General for Scotland. This is a very important legal job, helping the government with legal advice.
- Just a year later, in 1760, he became the Lord Advocate. This was the top legal advisor to the government in Scotland.
From 1762 to 1764, he also had the honor of being the head of the University of Glasgow, known as its Rector.
Moving into Politics and Higher Courts
Sir Thomas Miller also served in politics.
- He was a Member of Parliament for Dumfries Burghs from 1761 to 1766. This meant he helped make laws for the country.
- In 1766, he became a judge in a very high court, the Court of Session. He was given the title Lord Justice Clerk and was then known as Lord Barskimming.
- In 1788, he reached the highest judicial position in Scotland. He became the Lord President of the Court of Session. At this time, he was also given the special title of Baronet and became known as Lord Glenlee.
He lived in Edinburgh and later bought a large estate called Dean.
Later Life and Family
Sir Thomas Miller passed away at Barskimming, Ayrshire, on September 27, 1789. He was buried in his family's special burial place in Stair, Ayrshire.
He was married twice.
- In 1752, he married Margaret Murdoch. They had one son, Sir William Miller, who also became a judge.
- He married Anne Lockhart in 1768.
Sir Thomas Miller was also the brother of Patrick Miller of Dalswinton.
