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

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

Life

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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.[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

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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

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

References

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  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".