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Sir William Meff (1861–1935) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen 1919 to 1925.
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Life
editHe was born in Aberdeen on 9 May 1861 the son of William Meff, a fishmonger.[1] By 1870 his father is described as a "fish and game dealer" and held three adjacent units at the Market in Aberdeen whilst living at Elm Cottage in the Ruthrieston district of Aberdeen.[2]
By around 1890 Meff controlled a large fleet of trawlers based in Aberdeen. As "Meff Brothers" he ran a wholesale fishmonger from Commercial Road and Albert Quay, living at that time at 40 Fonthill Road.[3]
In 1905 he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Aberdeen.[4]
He served as German Consul.[5][6]
He was elected Lord Provost of Aberdeen in 1919 and served until 1925.[citation needed]
He died at Fordbank, Riverside Drive in Aberdeen on 31 July 1935 and was buried in Allenvale Cemetery in the south of the city.[7] He left £54,115 in his will.[8] This included a gift of £1000 to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.[9]
Family
editIn 1886 he was married to Jane Barbara Blann (1867-1933). Their only son William Blann Meff served as a lieutenant in the Gordon Highlanders in the First World War and was killed at Beaumont Hamel on 14 November 1916.[10] His medals are displayed in Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum.[11]
Artistic recognition
editHe was portrayed in 1925 by Sir William Orpen. The picture is held by Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum.[12]
References
edit- ^ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1861
- ^ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1870
- ^ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1910
- ^ London Gazette 17 October 1905
- ^ Who's Who 1925
- ^ Obituary: Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1 August 1935
- ^ Aberdeen Press and Journal 1 August 1935
- ^ Probate of Sir William Duff, National Archives
- ^ Aberdeen Press and Journal 9 August 1935
- ^ "Lieutenant William Meff | War Casualty Details 73342".
- ^ "Lieutenant W B Meff".
- ^ "Sir William Meff, Lord Provost of Aberdeen (1911–1925) | Art UK".