Sir William Meff, Lord Provost Of Aberdeen (1919 - 1925), by Sir William Orpen

Sir William Meff (1861–1935) was a Scottish businessman who served as Lord Provost of Aberdeen 1919 to 1925.

Life

He 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.

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

In 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

He was portrayed in 1925 by Sir William Orpen. The picture is held by Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum.[12]

References

  1. ↑ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1861
  2. ↑ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1870
  3. ↑ Aberdeen Post Office Directory 1910
  4. ↑ London Gazette 17 October 1905
  5. ↑ Who's Who 1925
  6. ↑ Obituary: Aberdeen Press and Journal, 1 August 1935
  7. ↑ Aberdeen Press and Journal 1 August 1935
  8. ↑ Probate of Sir William Duff, National Archives
  9. ↑ Aberdeen Press and Journal 9 August 1935
  10. ↑ "Lieutenant William Meff | War Casualty Details 73342".
  11. ↑ "Lieutenant W B Meff".
  12. ↑ "Sir William Meff, Lord Provost of Aberdeen (1911–1925) | Art UK".
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