John William Meakin
In 1911 he was an assistant undertaker.
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
John William was the son of John and Jane [Mary Jane] Meakin (née Shepherd)
John (b. abt. 1858), a lace maker, and Jane (b. abt. 1860, Grantham) were married at Nottingham All Saints on 25 January 1880 and had five children (birth registrations Nottingham, mother's maiden name Shepherd/Sheppard): Emma b. 1880, Annie b. 1882, Frederick birth registered 1884 (JFM), Mary Ellen [Nelly] b. 1885 and John William b. 1897 AMJ.
In 1891 John and Mary Jane were living at 9 Landseer Street, Nottingham, with their four children, Emma, Annie, Frederick and Nelly. Also in the household was John's infant niece, Hannah Amis (b. Cromer, Norfolk).
The second daughter, Annie, married Percy Mason in 1900 (OND) and they may have had two sons; William Percy b. 1901 (reg. AMJ, maiden name Meakin) and Joseph b. 1902 (reg. AMJ, maiden name Meakin) who probably died in 1905 aged three.
John and his wife were living at 64 Mitchell Street, New Radford, in 1901. Four of their five children were in the home on the night of the census: Emma, a tobacco padder, Nelly, and William (4) together with their married sister, Annie Mason (18) and John (sic) Mason (0) who was described on the census as John senior's grandson.
The eldest son, Frederick, has not yet been traced on either the 1901 or 1911 Census. However, his name appears on the later CWGC record as his brother John William's named relative. There is a record that Frederick, aged 18, living at 64 Mitchell Street and employed as a labourer by A Toone, Dulwich Road, Nottingham, enlisted in the Militia on 25 March 1901 (8216 Private, 4th Bn Derbys. Regt). He served from 25 March 1901 to 12 May 1901, completed the 49 days Drill, but was then discharged.
By 1911 the family had moved to 68 Peveril Street, Radford, Nottingham; John, his wife and three of their children, Annie Mason a hosiery hand, Mary Ellen a blouse machinist, and John William an assistant undertaker. Also in the household was William Mason (10), described as a relative of John snr.
John Meakin snr. died at 68 Peveril Street, Radford, on 22 May 1919 aged 62.
John William Meakin enlisted in Nottingham and served with 'C' Coy, 1st Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers.
He was killed in action on 26th March 1918 and is buried in Wailly Orchard Cemetery (grave ref. II.A.3).
CWGC history of Wailly Orchard Cemetery (extract): 'The cemetery was begun in May 1916 by the Liverpool battalions of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, as a front line cemetery, screened from German observation by a high wall. It was little used in 1917, but in March-August 1918, it was considerably enlarged by the Canadian and other units defending the Third Army front.' (www.cwgc.org)
CWGC Additional information: Brother of Mr. F. Meakin, of 68, Peveril St., Nottingham.
Inscription on family gravestone, Nottingham General Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of John, the beloved husband of Mary Jane Meakin, who died May 22nd 1919 aged 62 years. If affection could have saved thee thou wouldst still have lived. Also William the dearly loved son of the above killed in action in France, March 26th 1918, aged 21 years. Shattered hopes. Also Joseph & Elizabeth Meakin, father & mother of the above [John Meakin].’
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 10 April 1918: ‘Meakin. Killed in action, March 26th, 1918, Pte. W Meakin, Northumberland Fusiliers, aged 22 years. The unknown grave is the bitterest blow of all. From his broken-hearted mother, father, sisters, brother and fiancee Kit.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 12 April 1918: ‘Meakin. Killed in action, March 26th, 1918, Pte. W Meakin, Northumberland Fusiliers, aged 22 years. His duty nobly done. Cousin Lizzie and Family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Roll of Honour’, 12 April 1918: ‘Meakin. Killed in action, March 26th, 1918, Pte. W Meakin, Northumberland Fusiliers, aged 22 years. His duty nobly done. From his sorrowing aunt, uncle, cousins, Annie & Floss.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 24 May 1919: ‘Meakin. On May 22nd, at 68 Peveril-street, John, beloved husband of Mary Jane Meakin. At rest. From sorrowing wife and sister and brothers and family.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Additional research/record updated: RF (Nov. 2025)
Photo David Nunn
Wailly Orchard Cemetery near Arras.
John William Meakin
Gravestone marking family grave, Nottingham General Cemetery. Photograph Rachel Farrand (21 Dec. 2017)