Police Consatable Wanlockhead Dumfries-shire

[TAMOWEN4]

Hi, researching family history, I found the following person. He was not a blood relation, one of his grandsons married a woman in my maternal family tree.

John A Paterson was born 1857 in Biggar Lanarkshire, he married Janet Hetherington Hadden born 1855 Hoddom Dumfries-shire.
They married in Wamphrey 1876.

The next time I find John Paterson is on the SP Census in 1891 (with Janet and family) listed as a Police Constable in Wanlockhead Dumfries-shire.

On the 1901 Census, John Paterson is listed as a Railway Porter. Living in Maryhill Glasgow.

Died Stobhill Hospital Glasgow 1910.

Is it possible to confirm John a Police Constable in Wanlockhead 1891 is the same John a Railway Porter 1901 Glasgow?

If he is the same person, I wonder why he left the Polis.

thanks in anticipation

Tommy Owen

[AlanBoyd]

Just to narrow the window a little: Constable John Paterson of Wanlockhead is mentioned several times in an article appearing in the Dumfries and Galloway Courier and Herald, 23rd May 1894. The contents of the article are nothing to do with him personally.

Does the 1901 man have the same wife and family?

[TAMOWEN4]

Yes as far as can make out the 1901 man has the same named wife.

I was somewhat confused as to why someone with what was probably a secure job as a Police Constable in 1891 should end up as a Porter in 1901.

It would be interesting to know, however, very unlikely now.

I would doubt if the records for the old Dumfries-shire Constabulary still exist.

[RJ_Paton]

I was somewhat confused as to why someone with what was probably a secure job as a Police Constable in 1891 should end up as a Porter in 1901.

There could be a number of reasons but often the life was found to be too demanding - 10 - 12 hour shifts followed by unpaid stand by hours in the house. They had to remain in uniform in case of a recall. However a more common cause was that any minor infringement led to immediate dismissal especially if drink was involved - a very common occurrence.

I would doubt if the records for the old Dumfries-shire Constabulary still exist.

Dumfries and Galloway Council have some police records

https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/library-services/heritage-service/collections-records#lgd-guides__title#lgd-guides__title

[TAMOWEN4]

RJ-Paton,

thanks for the reply.

Quite possible the demon drink being a factor, however, I'll never know 

[AlanBoyd]

An AI has told me (so treat with caution) that the Police Act of 1890 gave policemen the right of voluntary retirement, with a pension, after 25 years of service. Perhaps this is what he did, the timing seems about right.

[TAMOWEN4]

AlanBoyd.

this is quite possible. A previous suggestion he may have left because of some infringement?

I will try and see if there any any records still held for that Constabulary in Dumfries.

thanks for your reply.

[Margow]

John Paterson was only in his early fifties when he died in 1910.  What was the cause of death?  He may have left the police force due to health grounds.

[TAMOWEN4]

Margow

cause of death TB aged 52. On death certificate now occupation Shoemaker. All names tie up with my original searches.

thanks

Thomas