James Meek of York

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James Meek (1790–1862) was a Victorian Wesleyan Methodist, Whig politician, currier, glassmaker, and three times Lord Mayor of York.

He was also the middle one (James Meek II) of three James Meeks who are important in the history of York. His father (James Meek I) came to York from Brompton by Northallerton, where he had run a starch mill. He was an Anglican and was also at Kelfield, North Yorkshire.^{[citation needed]}

James Meek II was born in 1890 in Brompton, Northallerton; he came to York in 1803 to serve an apprenticeship with Joseph Agar, currier.^{[further explanation needed]} After working in various cities he returned to York on his marriage, setting up his own business in Goodramgate, York. He was a partner in the York Flint Glass Company and chairman of York City and County Bank. For a time he was also chairman of Hudson's York and North Midland Railway and of the Newcastle and Berwick Railway, but as a staunch Methodist, he resigned in a controversy regarding Sunday travel on the railway. He laid the foundation stone of the York cemetery chapel during his first term as Lord Mayor.^[1]

He was Lord Mayor of York in 1836, 1848 and 1850, the final time being immediately before George Hudson. He was also Sheriff of York in 1827 and was an Alderman of the city from 1835 until his death.^{[citation needed]}