Person:John Meekins (9)

John Meekins (known as Jack) was born on 8th June 1881 in Lambeth, in the southern suburbs of London. He was the son of Margaret Meekins, formerly Litford, and her husband Henry Meekins, a coal porter and general dealer. Jack’s birth does not appear to have been registered, but in the census taken a couple of months before his birth Jack’s parents and older brother had been living at 25 Frances Street (later renamed Lanfranc Street) in Lambeth, which was off Westminster Bridge Road. He was baptised on 3rd July 1881 at the nearby Catholic St George’s Cathedral in Southwark. Jack had an older brother called Harry. A younger sister, Margaret, followed in 1882, but she died as a baby early in 1883.

Jack’s mother died later in 1883, when Jack was about two years old. Jack and his father later moved a few miles east to Woolwich, where Jack’s father married Alice Keating in 1889, who thus became Jack’s stepmother. Jack would have another nine half-siblings from his father’s second marriage. The 1891 census finds Jack living with his father, stepmother and younger half-brother Edward (or Edwin), at 4 Cannon Row in Woolwich, where the family lived in just one room. Jack’s older brother Harry had stayed back in Lambeth, living with their late mother’s siblings.

Later in 1891, when Jack’s stepmother was heavily pregnant with her second child, Jack’s father deserted the family. Alice and Jack entered the Woolwich Union Workhouse a week after he left. Alice was discharged to the neighbouring Plumstead Infirmary to have her baby, whilst Jack stayed in the workhouse. He was discharged after two months in the workhouse on 10th February 1892. Jack’s father seems to have reappeared and disappeared several times.

Jack was back in the workhouse just over a year later, on 24th March 1893. This time he was admitted by the police, and was discharged to the police six days later. It is not clear why the eleven-year-old Jack needed the police’s intervention. That appears to be the last time Jack was in Woolwich Union Workhouse.

By November 1894, Jack was living at St Vincent’s Industrial School for Roman Catholic Boys in Dartford. He was one of several boys from that school who were baptised together at St Anselm’s church in Dartford on 23rd November 1894. Industrial Schools were run by the authorities for a variety of children, including those whose parents were regular inmates of the workhouse, as was the case for Jack’s father and stepmother.

On 16th May 1898, shortly before turning seventeen, Jack enlisted in the army, joining the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. He was described as a labourer and was said to be 5 feet 2½ inches tall with brown hair and brown eyes. Six weeks later he was sent over to Malta with his regiment. He was clearly still growing when he joined up, as in 1902 he was recorded as being 5 feet 6½ inches tall.

Whilst serving in the army, Jack took part in numerous boxing matches. In April 1902 he won the Army and Navy Lightweight Championship of Malta. He was said to have been trained in part by his older brother Harry, who also served in the Royal Warwickshire Regiment on Malta and was a keen boxer as well.

Later in 1902, a woman called Florence Sansum travelled from England to Malta. She was originally from Long Melford in Suffolk, but had been working as a servant in London. Whilst she was in Malta she converted to Catholicism, being baptised by the Catholic chaplain of the British Army Services College on 21st August 1902. It seems highly likely that she did this in order to marry Jack. Whether they had met in Britain or Malta is unknown.

Jack and Florence’s marriage record has not been found, but it seems reasonable to assume that they married in Malta shortly after her conversion to Catholicism. The earliest army Catholic chaplain’s marriage register for Malta only begins in 1904. In the 1911 census Jack and Florence indicated that they had been married for nine years. In October 1902 the Royal Warwickshire Regiment left Malta and travelled to Bermuda. Shortly after their arrival in Bermuda both Jack and his brother Harry are reported as having taken part in boxing matches.

In July 1903 Florence sailed from London to Bermuda, presumably to join Jack there. The following month Jack left the army, on 24th August 1903, having purchased his discharge. He was developing a promising career as a boxer and it seems he wanted to focus on that. When Florence returned to England is unclear, but it seems Jack stayed in Bermuda for a while after leaving the army. He sailed from Hamilton in Bermuda to New York in March 1904. His arrival in New York was announced in the American press – apparently Jack was hoping to win the lightweight championship. Nothing came of that particular aspiration, and after a few weeks in America Jack returned to Britain.

Jack then had a successful career as a boxer. He fought many matches in Britain, but also travelled to France, fighting in Paris on several occasions, as well as making trips to Belgium, Portugal, Switzerland and Ireland. He was credited with popularising the English style of boxing in France.

By 1908 Florence and Jack were living in the Battersea area of London, having a daughter called Dorothy baptised there. She was followed in 1909 by a daughter called Norah, who died as a baby.

In 1909 Jack was also involved in a boxing match against a man called Arthur Evernden, which had the unusual outcome that they simultaneously knocked each other out. The fight was awarded to Jack because he managed to get up more quickly afterwards.

In 1910 Jack was given the opportunity to go to Australia. He appeared at the Holborn Empire in November 1910 in what was billed as his last fight before leaving for Australia. In the event, his plans changed. Instead of sailing for Australia, he bought a billiards emporium at 313 Battersea Park Road in London. On Christmas Eve 1910 he advertised his new club as being open for business, adding “no Australia for me now”.

Early in 1911 Jack and his brother Harry both took part in a boxing tournament in Portsmouth. By February Jack was advertising his new club as the ‘Alexandra Boxing and Athletics Club’. The 1911 census finds Jack, Florence and their daughter Dorothy living at 313 Battersea Park Road – presumably there was a flat above the club. Florence was described as assisting in the business. They reported that they had had three children but two had died, suggesting that there was another child who has not been identified; perhaps they had another child earlier in their marriage whilst travelling abroad.

Over in Woolwich, Jack’s father was still in and out of the workhouse - when he entered the workhouse in 1913 he gave Jack’s name and address at 313 Battersea Park Road as a relative’s contact details.

In March 1914 a newspaper article commented that Jack was starting to lose more matches, and described him as entering the ‘veteran stage’ of his career. He was 32 at the time. As well as his boxing, he was also working as a bus driver by this time – perhaps the club was not a financial success.

Later that year the First World War began. In September 1914, just a few weeks after Britain joined the war, Jack took part in a charity boxing tournament to raise money for supporting soldiers’ families.

Jack then joined the armed forces, serving as a driver in the Army Service Corps. In 1915 he was stationed somewhere in mainland Europe, presumably on the western front, but was given special leave to return to Britain to take part in another charity fundraiser.

In July 1916 newspapers reported a rumour that Jack had been killed. Florence must have had a very difficult time waiting for further news after hearing that. As it happened, the rumour was wrong, and Jack survived the war.

Jack’s father died in Kent in 1917.

After the war, Jack and Florence settled at 27 Cristowe Road in Fulham in west London. Their old club in Battersea does not appear to have reopened after the war. In the early 1920s Jack tried his hand at being a boxing promoter, staging a few events in London. He does not seem to have made much money out of them, as in December 1923 he received a grant from the Boxers’ Benevolent Fund, presumably indicating that he was in financial hardship.

Jack then settled into supporting himself by working as a taxi driver. On a couple of occasions he got into trouble for being drunk in charge of his taxi and dangerous driving. In 1934 he was photographed with his taxi for a short article in the Daily Mirror noting that this formerly well-known boxer was now a taxi driver.

Jack’s daughter Dorothy married a soldier named William Cecil Fletcher in 1929, who appears to have lived with them at 27 Cristowe Road for some time. William was later appointed Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant of the 2nd Middlesex Regiment and was stationed at Portsmouth by 1937.

In February 1937 Jack was visiting Portsmouth and gave an interview to the Portsmouth Evening News reflecting on his long career in boxing. He complained of being an invalid at the time, having been involved in a road accident recently.

Florence died on 16th March 1939, in the Southsea area of Portsmouth, presumably having gone there to see her daughter and son-in-law. She was 58 years old. Her ashes were interred at the churchyard back in her native village of Long Melford.

Six months later, at the outbreak of the Second World War, Jack was still living at 27 Cristowe Road and working as a taxi driver. He had a housekeeper living with him.

In 1941, two years after Florence’s death, Jack married again. His second wife was Nellie Wareham. She was presumably quite a bit younger than him, as they went on to have three children together between 1942 and 1946. Jack was 65 by the time his youngest son was born.

Jack died on 7th August 1950 at Kingston upon Thames, aged 69. He left an estate of £869 to Nellie, who was left raising their three small children.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Baptisms register, in Southwark, Surrey: Catholic Parish Registers of St George’s Cathedral, Southwark (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, London).

   Mekins / Die 8 Junii 1881 natus et die 3 Julii 1881 baptizatus est Joannes Mekins filius Henrici et Margaritae Mekins (olim Lutford) conjugum:
   a me Felice Reynaert
   Patrinus fuit Edmondus Noonan Matrina fuit Maria Anna Lutford
   
   Approximate translation
   Mekins / Born 8th June 1881 and baptised 3rd July 1881 John son of Henry and Margaret Mekins (formerly Lutford) his wife
   by me Felix Reynaert
   Godfather Edmund Noonan, Godmother Mary Ann Lutford

2. ↑ England. 1891 Census Schedules for England and Wales, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. (
   Kew, Richmond, Greater London TW9 4DU, United Kingdom:
   The National Archives (abbreviated TNA), formerly the UK General Register Office.)
   Class RG12; Piece 532; Folio 11; Page 15, 5 Apr 1891.

   Address: 4 Cannon Row, Woolwich, London
   1 room occupied
   Henry Meekin, head, married, male, 29 [1861/2], General Dealer Shop, neither employer nor employed, b. London
   Alice Meekin, wife, married, female, 23 [1867/8], b. London
   John Meekin, son, male, 10 [1880/1], Scholar, b. London
   Edwin Meekin, son, 2 [1888/9], b. Woolwich, Kent

3.   London: Workhouse Admission and Discharge Records (London Metropolitan Archives, London).
   Summary table of information drawn from Admission, Discharge and Creed registers.
   

   Admitted	Discharged	Workhouse	Notes
   10 Dec 1891	10 Feb 1892	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted with stepmother Alice, "Husband Henry Meekins left her on 3 Dec 1891". Alice transferred to infirmary 11 Dec 1891. Discharged to stepmother.
   24 Mar 1893	30 Mar 1893	Woolwich Union Workhouse	Admitted by police. Discharged to the police.

   When his father Henry was admitted to the workhouse on 9 Dec 1913, under ‘Relatives’ is recorded: “Son Jack 313 Battersea Park Road”.

4.   Baptisms register, in Dartford, Kent: Catholic Parish Registers of St Anselm (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark, London).

   [No.] 35 Meeking ex S. Vin: Indust: School Sub conditione / Die 11 Maii 1883 natus et die 23 Novembris 1894 baptizatus est Joannes Meeking filius Henrici et Aliciae Meeking (olim Ludford) conjugum:
   a me Carolo J. Turner
   Patrinus fuit Jacobus Cooney Matrina fuit [blank]
   
   Approximate translation:
   No. 35 Meeking of St Vincent’s Industrial School, non-infant baptism / Born 11th May 1883 and baptised 23rd November 1894 John Meeking son of Henry and Alice Meeking (formerly Ludford) his wife:
   By me Charles J. Turner
   Godfather James Cooney Godmother [blank]
   This was one of several baptisms of boys from St Vincent’s Industrial School held that day at St Anselm’s Church, with James Cooney acting as godfather to all of them.

5.   British Army Service Records (The National Archives, Kew)
   Series WO97; Box 5496; Record 154.

   Summary of information:
   LONG SERVICE (12 years with the Colours.)
   ATTESTATION OF
   No. 5879
   Name: John Meekins
   Corps: Royal Warwickshire
   Born: In the Parish of Lambeth in or near the Town of London in the County of Surrey
   Age: 16 Years 11 Months [1881]
   Trade: Labourer
   Married: No
   Oath taken at Gravesend, 16 May 1898
   Height: 5 feet 2½ inches
   Weight: 117 lbs
   Complexion: Fresh
   Eyes: Brown
   Hair: Brown
   Two J’s & an anchor badly tattooed on left forearm
   Religious denomination: Roman Catholic
   Served in:
   Home - 16 May 1898 to 30 Jun 1898
   Malta - 1 Jul 1898 to 27 Oct 1902
   Bermuda - 28 Oct 1902 to [blank]
   Attained the age 18 years 15 Jun 1899
   “Discharged at his own request on Payment of £18 10 10, under Article 1142…” 24 Aug 1903
   Next of kin:
   Father, H. Meekins, 4 Warren Lane, Woolwich
   Brother, No. 7307 Pte. H. Meekins, 3 R. War. Regt.

6.   New York Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists 1820-1957 (National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC).

   Ship: Pretoria
   Sailed 14 Mar 1904 from Hamilton, Bermuda
   Arrived 17 Mar 1904, New York
   John Meekins, 23, married, late soldier in HM Forces, British, last residence Bermuda, not joining a relative, but contact name given for Richard K. Fox, Fox’s Buildings, Franklin Square, New York City

7. ↑ England. 1911 Census Schedules for England and Wales, Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. (Kew, Richmond, Greater London TW9 4DU, United Kingdom: The National Archives (abbreviated TNA), (formerly the UK General Register Office.))
   Class RG14; Piece 2159; Schedule 2, 2 Apr 1911.

   Address: 313 Battersea Park Road, Battersea, London
   7 rooms occupied
   John Meekins, head, male, 30 [1880/1], married 9 years, 3 children born alive, 1 child still living, Club Proprietor, working at home, b. Borough of London
   Florence Meekins, wife, female, 29 [1881/2], Assisting in Business, working at home, b. Long Melford, Suffolk
   Dorothy Meekins, daughter, female, 3 [1907/8], b. Tidemore St, Battersea

8. ↑ General Register Office. 1939 Register
   Fulham Metropolitan Borough, 29 Sep 1939.

   Address: 27 Cristowe Road, Fulham, London [one of two households at this address]
   Meekins, John / male / b. 3 Jun 1881 / widower / Taxi Driver
   Smith, Eunice / female / female / b. 22 May 1913 / married / Housekeeper

9. ↑ Deaths index, in General Register Office. England and Wales Civil Registration. (London: General Register Office).

   d. John MEEKINS, September Quarter 1950, Surrey North Registration District, Volume 5g, page 239, aged 69 [1880/1]

10. ↑ England. National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations),1858 onwards. (Ancestry.com).

    MEEKINS John of 18 Alexander-road Kingston-upon-Thames died 7 August 1950 Probate London 11 October to Nellie Meekings widow. Effects £869 16s. 3d.

11.   London, England. Electoral Registers, 1832-1965 (London Metropolitan Archives, London).

    1914, Battersea
    313 Battersea Park road, Dwelling-house
    Meekins, John
    
    1918, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road:
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    
    1923, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road:
    Freeman, Emily Mary
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    
    1928, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road:
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    
    1930, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road:
    Fletcher, William Cecil
    Knight, Jack
    Knight, Peggy
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    
    1936, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road:
    Everest, Arthur
    Fletcher, William Cecil
    Jones, Thomas
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    Spindler, Olive (Miss)
    
    1937, Fulham, Hurlingham Ward
    27 Cristowe Road, S.W.6.
    Everest, Arthur
    Fletcher, William Cecil
    Jones, Thomas
    Meekins, Florence
    Meekins, John
    Spindler, Olive (Miss)
    
    1939, Fulham
    27 Cristowe Road
    Meekins, John
    Miller, Fred
    Smith, Eunice Helen Alexandria (Mrs.)

12.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 8, Wednesday 26 Mar 1902.

    THE LIGHT-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP OF MALTA.
    TED DOWN (SHOREDITCH) AND JACK MEEKINS (EAST DULWICH) MATCHED FOR £25.
    We learn that these well-known lads are matched to box twenty three minute rounds, one minute rest, for the light-weight championship of the Army and Navy at Malta, the match to come off on April 1 at the Britannia Circus. Downs won his title by beating all comers at Gibraltar, and Jock Fraser last February. Meekins distinguished himself in the light-weight contest at Aldershot last September. Winner to take all. Downs is now on board H.M.S. Thesus, and Meekins is serving with the Royal Warwicks. Both men are in good training, and a good contest should take place.

13.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 8, Wednesday 9 Apr 1902.

    BOXING AT MALTA.
    LIGHT-WEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP.
    MEEKINS BEAT DOWNS.
    On Tuesday evening, April 1, every seat in the Britannia Circus was filled when Mr. Munnings provided a good programme for the Army and Navy. The principal event was a twenty-round contest for the light-weight championship of the Mediterranean, between Downs, of the Royal Marines (the champion), and Bandsman J. Meekins, Royal Warwicks, for £10 a-side and £15 purse. Meekins was well trained by W. Hunt and Bill Hughes, of Birmingham, assisted by his Brother Harry and F. Smith. He is twenty-one years old, and stands 5ft. 6½ins., and, like his opponent, just scale 9st 12lb. Downs, who is noted for stopping opponents in short time was well looked after by A. Collison (feather-weight champion) and Fablo Cafe (middle-weight champion), his height being 5ft. 8in. As the principals left their seats the few inches advantage held by Down was easily visible. He added to this by standing very erect while Meekins stood wide, but his ruddy, healthy appearance was in his favour. At the opening each man waited for a lead. After a quick feint Meekins landed the right on the jaw, which sent Downs reeling to the floor, time just saving him. On meeting again Downs rushed in and met with a nasty jab on the nose. Hard hitting gave way to a severe slogging, Meekins always doing most execution, and going back to his corner with a little to spare. Round 3. – Downs caught the full swing of a right on the jaw, which sent him back to the ropes, but his pluck was of first quality. Meekins, who showed a lack of finishing power, had his opponent almost beaten, but was too anxious. Round 4. – Both almost fought to a standstill. Rounds 5 and 6 were the same, one going down and then the other. Round7. – Meekins now keeping away was using his left well and scoring fast, but Downs would follow, and Meekins took advantage of the ring. The fighting to the fourteenth round was of the same character. At the fifteenth meeting Meekins, with a straight left and a smart right on the side of the head, sent Downs clean over the ropes, both being fought to a standstill. Rounds 16 to 19 found Meekins still jabbing with his left into Downs’ mouth. Round 20 and last. – Downs punched Meekins right and left without getting home, Meekins still jabbing with his left. When “Time!” was called and the verdict was given to Meekins the house rose like one man and cheered until the roof fairly shook. The officials were two civilian gentlemen and Commandant A.O.S., Mr, Mannings being M.C. The programme also contained six-round contests, in which Turner beat Rowlins. Townsend beat Hearne, Daws beat Thomas, and Shepperd beat Mowat. A heavy-weight contest takes place on April 7.

14.   Coventry Evening Telegraph, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 3, Tuesday 13 Jan 1903.

    THE 3RD ROYAL WARWICKS IN BURMUDA.
    The 3rd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment have only been in Bermuda a little over a month, writes one of the Battalion, but they have soon started to liven things up in the way of sport. On Thursday evening, the 13th inst., there was arranged a night’s sport at the Bermuda Gymnasium, in which there were three contests set for decision… The next item was a six-round “go” between H. Meekins (3rd Royal Warwickshire Regiment) and F. Beecham (H.M.S. Hotspur). This was a rattling affair. Although the naval man was much the heavier and started forcing the pace, he did not make much headway against his wiry opponent, whose stopping was beautiful. At the finish the judges could not part them, so an extra round was ordered, in which Meekins kept a good left going and got the verdict. The tit-bit of the evening came next, and last, between J. Meekins (3rd Royal Warwickshire Regiment), ex-light-weight Champion of the Mediterranean, and T. Gilbert (H.M.S. Hotspur). This was an eight-round contest, and both boxed very well all through. The judges could not come to any decision, so an extra round was ordered, and J. Meekins got the verdict.

15.   Evening Star (Washington, DC), in Library of Congress (Washington, DC)
    Page 9, Saturday 19 Mar 1904.

    MAY FIGHT GANS.
    Jack Meekins, English Boxer, After Lightweight Championship.
    A pugilist from over the sea with the championship bee in his bonnet has arrived in New York. He is Jack Meekins of England, and he has come to America for the purpose of meeting Joe Gans for the lightweight title. Meekins is well recommended. He has proof to show that he won championship honors in a 135-pound competition at the National Sporting Club, London, recently. For this he received a large silver cup. Meekins has also a long record, most of his bouts being of a short order, with him the victor.
    Meekins is compactly built and is a likely looking customer. His body is very much tattooed. On his breast there is a reproduction of Corbett and Fitzsimmons as they appeared in the ring at Carson City, Nev., in 1897. On his back there is tattooed the coat-of-arms of England.
    Meekins tips the beam at 135 pounds. He says that his visit to America is for the purpose of meeting Gans, of whom he has heard so much. Meekins adds that he has enough backing to make a fight interesting if one is arranged.

16.   The Evening World (New York, NY), in Library of Congress (Washington, DC)
    Page 12, Thursday 24 Mar 1904.

    JACOBS AFTER MEEKIN.
    Natty Jacobs, the light-weight fighter of this city who has done good work in the ring, will be matched to fight Jack Meekin, the English light-weight who recently arrived here. Jacobs and Meekin will meet in a private fight for a side bet of $300 in three weeks.

17.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 8, Wednesday 18 Jan 1905.

    ASSAULT-AT-ARMS AT WALWORTH.
    On Monday evening Professor William Klein, the well-known wrestler… staged a grand assault-at-arms at the Walworth Empire, Camberwell-gate. The programme consisted of a variety show, wrestling contests and exhibition boxing bouts… The boxing displays produced capital sport, some of the bouts being better than contests. The best pair were Jack Emblem (Walworth) and Jack Meekins (Woolwich), who went for all they were worth…

18.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 2, Monday 6 Feb 1905.

    SATURDAY NIGHT AT WONDERLAND…
    JACK MEEKINS OUT-POINTS HARRY FOWLER…
    SIX ROUNDS CONTESTS.
    Jack Meekins (Woolwich) beat Harry Fowler (Mile End). – Although being at a disadvantage in height and reach, the Woolwicher at once forced the exchanges, and in the opening round landed on the head and body with great force. The following round again saw Meekins the aggressor, while during the third meeting he crossed his opponent with the right and nearly knocked his adversary out. From this period Meekins continued to have the better of the exchanges, and after again nearly having his man out in the fifth meeting, he won easily on points.

19.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 4, Thursday 5 Apr 1906.

    BOXING.
    WONDERLAND. – NEXT SATURDAY.
    An attractive programme is provided by Mr Harry Jacobs at this well-known resort on Saturday. The specials are six in number, the chief of them being the six rounds bout between Fred Wood and Jack Meekins…
    [further down same page]
    Will the following boxers meet a gentleman outside the Horseshoe, Tottenham Court-road, at 7p.m. tonight (Thursday) – viz., Jack Meekins… or will they send their addresses to 17, Arthur-street, Oxford-street, W.C.

20.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 7, Saturday 28 Dec 1907.

    BOXING ITEMS…
    Jack Meekins is now instructor to the English members at the Chambre Club, Rue de Londres, Paris, and he will be pleased to assist in any way in his power any English boxer who may come to Paris to box.

21.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 7, Tuesday 25 Feb 1908.

    JACK MEEKINS BEAT DESRUELLES
    A contest of ten two-minute rounds was decided at the Paris Wonderland, on Saturday night, between Jack Meekins and Hubert Desruelles. The Frenchman has greatly improved of late, and for the first three rounds appeared to have slightly the best of matters. In the fourth round, however, Meekins dazed his man with a hard upper cut, and thenceforward Desruelles fought under difficulties. At the final meeting Meekings sent his opponent to the boards with a right swing, but the Frenchman rose and kept going to the finish. The verdict, however, went to Meekins.

22.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 8, 13 Nov 1909.

    NEXT MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15.
    BATHS, CAMBERWELL GREEN, S.E.
    PROMOTER, MR HARRY WILLIAMS.
    GREAT SPECIAL RETURN MATCH (Ten Rounds) for £50
    (£10 a side, and purse value £30).
    ARTHUR EVERNDEN (Erith coming 10st 6lb Champion, winner of numerous bouts in England and South Africa)
    v.
    JACK MEEKINS (Battersea, winner of over 200 bouts in England, America, and France)
    These two clever boxers met on Oct. 25, and one of the most exciting and remarkable contests ever decided in England resulted. – Vide Press.

23.   Illustrated Police News (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 10, Saturday 20 Nov 1909.

    A Sensational Match.
    A few weeks ago there was a sensational match at the Camberwell Baths, where Harry Williams runs some very successful shows at short intervals. In the case under notice Jack Meekins and Arthur Evernden both let go the right at the same moment and practically knocked each other out. Meekins, however, was less deaf to the call of time than his opponent and just scrambling to his feet he was hailed the victor.

24.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 4, Saturday 4 Dec 1909.

    BOXING…
    An Apology to Paris.
    The other week, when criticising Parisian referees, we were perhaps slightly unfair, for, in a very courteous letter, M. Victor Breyer, of the Paris Wonderland, has asked us to appeal to Jack Meekins, whose hard case especially noted, and to all other English boxers who have boxed under his auspices, for their candid statements as to the treatment they have received at “Wonderland.” We are pleased to be able to say, right here, that we have never heard of any English boxer who complained of his treatment by any French promoter, with the solitary exception of Charlie Wilson (and we have reasons to believe that there are two sides to that story). Meekins himself has always spoken in the very highest terms of the hospitality which has been accorded to him in France, and adds that he never has the slightest growl to make concerning the ability or fairness of the referees under whom he has fought at the Paris Wonderland. He states that every fight in which he has been engaged there has been controlled and judged with the utmost impartiality, and that he is even pleased that we should have given occasion for this protest for M. Breyer in order that he might be afforded this opportunity of testifying his appreciation of the kind and fair treatment he has always received from him and from those associated with him. We may add, by the way, that Sid Russell, who called at the office while Meekins was here, heartily endorsed this statement, and assured us that we are correct in believing that Paris stands a very fair chance of becoming the chief boxing centre of the world, a position to which it is entitled by the fairness and generosity of its promoters and sportsmen generally.
    English and French Boxing.
    Before leaving the subject of Meekins, it may possibly be of interest to state that Jack has perhaps done more to establish the English style of boxing on a firm footing in France than any other man. For, right up to last year, there were still many French people who believed that the French mode of self-defence, la savate, was at least equal, if not superior to the English method.

25.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 9, Saturday 19 Mar 1910.

    AT THE ELYSEE MONTMARTRE.
    Jack Meekins beat Battling Lacroix.
    The Frenchman Lacroix is decidedly out of luck! Jack Meekins (London) disposed of the Frenchman in exactly 2min. 27sec. by a right hook to the jaw, and yet the line of comparison is rather strained. Without in any way detracting from Meekins’s performance, Lacroix is capable under normal conditions, of better things. Too full of confidence, the Battler is prone to treat his opponents with contempt. He leaves himself entirely open, sails into an adversary with a temerity that borders on recklessness. This should prove a lesson to him. In meeting Peter Brown and Jack Meekins, Battling Lacroix has been too sure of himself. Now he has paid the penalty of imprudence, a marked improvement may overtake Lacroix in his future dealings with British boxers.
    Lacroix is undoubtedly a good boxer, but his campaign in London somewhat swelled his head. Such men as Peter Brown and Jack Meekins he looked upon as mere trash, hence his undoing. Lacroix’s attitude in the ring with both these men was one of absolute contempt. He just set about his opponents as if they were mere novices.
    The lesson, although a hard one for the Battler, will perhaps do him good. Champions are not made in a day. Lacroix, after his exploits in England, imagined himself invincible, now he must realise that, no matter how good a boxer he may be, he cannot afford to be careless. Both in his contests with Peter Brown and Jack Meekins, Battling Lacroix looked upon himself as a terror.
    He reckoned without his hosts, however. To both the Englishmen in question Lacroix appeared as a foeman of no great moment, and the results in both instances have proved that the assumption was correct. Apart from that, Lacroix is a good man, but at the present moment he is labouring under a spell of terrible luck and the fact that Jack Meekins knocked him out in 1rd. does not represent the Frenchman at his true value. The general impression created by Lacroix’s two recent defeats is that he possesses a glass jaw. This in a measure may be correct, but I would not mind wagering that the wallops that put him to sleep in both his bouts with Peter Brown and Jack Meekins respectively would have disposed of Jack Johnson. A blow clean on the point need not be terribly hard to shove any man out. Lacroix was unfortunate enough to stop both Peter Brown’s and Jack Meekins’s right hooks with his chin, hence a temporary sojourn to the land of nod. There is talk of a return match between Lacroix and Meekins. If such matures, I am prepared to back my opinion to any amount that the contest goes more than 1rd. All honour to Jack Meekins in this encounter, however, he fought like a general, took advantage of an obvious opening, and dropped his man.
    Both sparred for an opening, and Meekins landed a left swing to stomach. Jack then rushed his opponent with a left, but missed. Another long spar, and Meekins rushed into a clinch. Lacroix planted left to face, but another attempt was short. Lacroix forced Meekins to the ropes; the latter, slipping, damaged his leg, but pluckily resumed the contest. No sooner was he on his feet than Meekins hooked Lacroix with the right on the point, and all was over with the Frenchman for close on five minutes. Jack treated the audience to a cake-walk meanwhile. Other results were…

26.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 9, Saturday 20 Aug 1910.

    A Suggested Tournament.
    We have received a letter from Jack Meekins’ manager intimating that he considers that Jack has at least as strong a claim as anyone else to a contest for the welter-weight title. He can point to two victories over Arthur Evernden, has drawn with Harry Duncan, and lost to him on points. He admits to two defeats from Harry Joseph, but points out that he was suffering from an attack of fever on the first occasion, and from a domestic bereavement when they met for the second time. So, as he only just lost on points even under these handicaps, he does not consider that he has any need to look back upon them with regret.
    He puts forward an excellent suggestion, which he trusts will meet with the approval of some enterprising promoter – namely, that as there are so many worthy aspirants in the welter division, it would be a profitable proposition to run a tournament between them, the ultimate winner to be matched with Joseph.
    He also wants to meet Charlie Duncan, quite apart from the above, over a 15 or 20-round journey (3-minute rounds only), for a side-stake (if desired) of from £10 to £25 a-side. Jack points out that he has already beaten Duncan twice, and considers that he had the best of their last little bout, though the referee did call it a draw.
    Anyway, as there is a doubt as to their respective merits, he thinks that a longer bout would be agreeable to both. Will Duncan let him hear what he thinks about the matter?

27.   Nottingham Evening Post, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 3, Saturday 26 Nov 1910.

    SPORTING NEWS…
    The last contest that Jack Meekins, the Battersea boxer, will appear in prior to his departure for Australia will be at the Holborn Empire matinee on Monday, when he boxes the best of 20 rounds with Harry Duncan. Duncan and Meekins are two of the best welter-weights in the country, and intense interest is being taken in the bout. In addition to that bout, a very strong programme is being presented.

28.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 24, Saturday 24 Dec 1910.

    NOTICE. – To get your eye on the ball, come to my elegant billiard emporium at 313, Battersea Park Road, and take a few lessons from me. No Australia for me now. JACK MEEKINS.

29.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 15, Saturday 7 Jan 1911.

    PORTSMOUTH.
    The first tournament under the auspices of the Boxers’ Union was held at the Engineers’ Drill Hall on Sat. A fine array of fistic talent was presented to a very fair house… The chief attraction was the special 6rd. contest between Charlies Duncan (Meat Market) and Jack Meekins (Battersea). After a keenly-contested bout the referee declared a draw – a most popular decision… Harry Meekins (brother to Jack) bt Jim Nicholson (London) after a great 6rds…

30.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 12, Saturday 11 Feb 1911.

    NEW TRAINING QUARTERS.
    Jack Meekins, the Battersea idol, who is about the only man in that borough who could bt the other Jack – Burns – for Parliament, has opened a neat, clean, splendidly-appointed training quarters at 313, Battersea Park Road, which is already the headquarters of the Battersea Net Ball Team and the Alexandra Slate Club. Jack calls his place the Alexandra Boxing and Athletic Club, and he invites all the young men of Battersea to come forward and learn the “Noble Art of Self-defence.” Those who go to Jack will not go amiss; he can teach them the proper rudiments of the game, and if he can but instil into them the courage he has displayed in his hundreds of contests as well, he will be doing a great service not only for Battersea, but for the country as well. Jack’s terms are very moderate, and the youngsters should quickly gather round.

31.   Boxing (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 18, Saturday 12 Aug 1911.

    Nipper’s Holiday.
    The Bermondsey pet, Nipper to wit, was in a holiday mood on Mon. afternoon, when Jack Meekins journeyed over from Battersea to exhibit his moving picture gallery. It was these same pictures that distracted Nipper from his work, and the Bermondsey boys wondered why their idol so often got behind his opponent’s back. We will disclose the secret. In gorgeous colours from either shoulder is depicted the scene of our first father and mother in the beautiful Garden of Eden, all this tattooed on Jack’s back. But afterwards Nipper made up for lost time, and repayed Meekins by just beating him. Nipper is seriously thinking of investing a portion of his hard-earned brass with an Indian-ink artist.

32.   Daily Herald (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 7, Monday 16 Mar 1914.

    …Jack Meekins is now in the veteran stage. Recently he has figured a great deal on the losing side, and was again beaten by Pte. Maskill (Queen’s Bays). Jack, the gamest of the game, should now give the sport a long rest.

33.   Sporting Life (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 4, Thursday 17 Sep 1914.

    BOXERS & OUR WAR RELIEF FUND.
    FEAST OF SPORT PROMISED AT THE RING.
    FULL PROGRAMME FOR MONDAY.
    The publication in yesterday’s “Sporting Life” of the full programme for the War Fund Tournament, to be held at The Ring on Monday next, aroused considerable satisfaction among those who have so generously helped us in the organisation of the affair. It was recognised that everything possible had been done to ensure success. Such success will, we are assured, be achieved, for everything points in that direction.
    This is the second of our boxing tournaments in aid of the great national fund initiated by the Prince of Wales. Already we have received £50 towards this most laudable charity, and there is every reasonable probability that the amount will be multiplied many times before we cry a halt, satisfied that the boxers have done their “little bit.”…
    The programme for The Ring will be as follows…
    SIX ROUNDS CONTESTS…
    Arthur Duncan v. Jack Meekins…

34.   Illustrated Police News (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 11, Thursday 15 Jul 1915.

    BOXING…
    Meekins is Willing.
    Jack Meekins, of Battersea, who is now a sergeant in the Motor Transport Section of the A.S.C., has written from the front that he wants to appear at the Carnival in aid of the Disabled at Stamford Bridge, and will box any welter-weight in the world for the good cause.

35.   Sheffield Daily Telegraph, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 10, Wednesday 4 Aug 1915.

    BOXING NEWS…
    CONTESTS AT STAMFORD BRIDGE.
    There were several interesting contests at the gala at Stamford Bridge on Monday. Sergeant Jack Meekins came over specially from France to box ten rounds with Jack Goldswain, an old opponent, but had to retire after two rounds owing to a cut eye…

36.   Weekly Dispatch (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 9, Sunday 2 Jul 1916.

    BOXING AND BOXERS…
    Flotsam and Jetsam…
    …Rumour hath it that Jack Meekins is dead, but up to very recently the Battersea boxer’s military duties engaged him far from the firing line…

37.   Daily Herald (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 8, Wednesday 24 Jan 1923.

    BOXING AT CLAPHAM
    A 15-round contest between Frank Rugg (Poplar) and Sonny Doke (Clapham) will form the chief attraction at the Drill Hall, Clapham Junction, where Jack Meekins has arranged an excellent programme of boxing to-morrow evening.

38.   The Sportsman (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 3, Friday 11 May 1923.

    DRILL HALL, CLAPHAM.
    An attractive programme was rendered by Jack Meekins, the well-known old-timer, for his tournament at the Drill Hall, Clapham Junction, last evening, and the promoter’s enterprise in providing bouts between well-known local exponents met with a fitting reward in a well-filled house…

39.   The Sportsman (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 6, Thursday 27 Dec 1923.

    BOXERS’ BENEVOLENT FUND.
    At a meeting of the Committee of the above Fund grants were made to the following… J. Meekins, 27 Cristowe-rd, Fulham, S.W. ...

40.   Fulham Chronicle, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 3, Friday 3 Jul 1925.

    EX-BOXER’S OFFENCE.
    DRUNK IN CHARGE OF TAXI.
    John Meekins, 44, taxicab driver, of Cristowe-road, New King’s-road, Fulham, was charged at Marlborough-street Police Court, on Friday last, with being drunk in charge of a taxicab on June 18 at Tottenham Court-road.
    Mr. Herbert Muskett was for the Commissioner of Police.
    Mr. Edmond O’Connor, defending solicitor (on behalf of the Motor Cab Trade Protection Society), said that Meekins was formerly a well-known boxer who had aspired to the welter-weight championship, and, as the magistrate could see from his appearance, had received considerable punishment in the ring. He believed that as regarded boxers, especially heavy-weights, whilst they were extremely crafty and clever in the ring, the punishment they received knocked a good deal of the sense out of them and rendered them more susceptible to alcohol than the ordinary man. On this day he had taken a party to the Ascot races; he had only three glasses of beer. In 1914 he left good employment as an omnibus driver, and joined the Forces, going overseas and fighting in the war till 1919. Prior to that he had a wonderful record. He was boxing and physical instructor to the B Division, metropolitan Police, services which were rendered by him quite gratuitously.
    Mr. Mead, taking into consideration that defendant was not driving at the time and his previous good character and services, imposed a fine of £2, with £3 costs, the licence to be endorsed.

41.   Fulham Chronicle, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 6, Friday 23 Aug 1929.

    WESTMINSTER POLICE COURT.
    FRIDAY. – Before Mr. A.E. Gill.
    FULHAM DRIVER ACQUITTED. – John Meekins, 48, taxicab owner and driver, 27 Cristowe-road, Fulham, was charged on remand from June 6 with driving a cab in a manner dangerous to the public at King’s-road, Chelsea, on that date. – Mr. Knight, who appeared on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said that Meekins was acquitted at the Sessions on the more serious charge of having been drunk while driving his cab, and the dangerous driving charge was adjourned. In turning from King’s-road into Tadema road, Meekins collided with a lorry which was coming out. He should have remained in the stationary traffic until it was released. Mr. Knight added that the police authorities did not press the matter, as Meekins had suffered very considerably already. – Mr. Gill dismissed the charge, but made an order for the payment of £2 2s. costs.

42.   Daily Mirror (London), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 17, Wednesday 21 Mar 1934.

    Jack Meekins, formerly a well-known welter-weight boxer, and now a taxi-driver in London. He went to France in 1908 to teach the French the English style of boxing.

    The photograph which accompanied this article is available on various websites as a stock image, including here: Alamy.com

43.   Portsmouth Evening News, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 10, Tuesday 9 Feb 1937.

    OLD-TIME BOXER’S VISIT TO PORTSMOUTH
    MEMORIES OF MANY FIGHTS
    ONE of the last men alive to have fought a bare knuckle fight sat in a room surrounded by photographs of famous boxers in Portsmouth yesterday.
    Down to see Mr. John Mortimer, boxing and wrestling promoter, had come veteran Jack Meekins, hero of 1,700 fights, and now an invalid as a result of a motor accident in London. The old-timer’s son-in-law is Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in the 2nd Middlesex Regiment, now stationed at Portsmouth.
    Six weeks ago, Meekins, who is a taxi-cab driver, was knocked down and seriously injured, and he talked ruefully of experience. “And me,” he said, “after nearly 30 years in the fight game, being put out by a motor accident.”
    The veteran’s greatest fight was as far back as 1897, when he met and beat Ginger Steward, in London, over 49 rounds. Steward retired with a broken rib as the police raided the fight. At this time the prize fight (“raw’uns”) had already been made illegal.
    Meekins was in the Army then. He won the championship of the Warwickshire Regiment two years later, and in 1901 became champion of Malta. The next year he was sent home by the Regiment to win the Army and Navy championship at Aldershot.
    From there he stepped into big boxing. He went to New York in 1903 to meet Nelson, subsequently welterweight champion of the world. He came home again, and was engaged by Jack Wolf to appear at Wonderland, notorious East End pre-war boxing centre.
    Meekins, all through his career weighing 10st. 4lbs., had more than 1,000 fights during his short stay there, and met men of all weights, including among them some of the best heavy-weights of the day.
    In 1905, he came into prominence by his sensational defeat of the French savate champion, and proved once and for all to sporting enthusiasts in France that the punching game beat the kick every time.
    Savate died out in France after that. Meekins lost all his teeth in proving it. He left Rothschild then, and was associated with “Peggy” Bettison at the old N.S.C., who sent him back to France. There he met Georges Carpentier, who beat him on points. That made Carpentier.
    A companion of Meekins’ was sent out by Bettison to India. There Bombardier Billy Wells was discovered to revive hope in British boxing when he knock out the N.S.C. man. Two of Meekins’ last fights were just before the War against Harry and Willy Lewis. He retired in 1914 from the game with an almost unbelievable record.
    Meekins was of the old school of fighters. By his example and courage many of our modern young fighters are inspired. Let him close the story.
    “It was in ‘08,” he said. “I started out at Woolwich, and beat my man. I got in one of the old hansom cabs, went to Deptford, had a heavy fight, and again I won. A few minutes later I was in the cab again, back to Wonderland. I knocked out my man again. Three fights in an evenings, and I made the sum of £4 10s. out of it.”
    Meekins stroked his cauliflower ear thoughtfully, and then rubbed his iron jaw. “I wonder what modern young fighters would think of that,” he said with a grin. “I wonder. I went into the fight game when I was 14, and was in it for 29 years, and I’m getting along very nicely with my old cab in London now.”

44.   Bury Free Press (Bury St Edmunds), in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 16, Saturday 25 Mar 1939.

    LONG MELFORD…
    FUNERAL. – On Thursday the Rev. J.W. Green officiated at the committal service for the late Mrs. Florence Meekins, whose remains were interred in the parish churchyard. The deceased, aged 58, passed away at Southsea on the Thursday previous, and was cremated at Streatham Crematorium. She was a native of Melford, being the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. H. Sansum, of Westgate Street, Long Melford. Melford has always been interested in Mr. and Mrs. Meekins, as he is a boxer of repute. In his prime he has fought Carpentier, Battling Nelson, Johnny Summers, and Sid Burns for the Lonsdale Belt, Welter Weight Championship of England. He also fought and defeated Chabrier. The family mourners for the committal service were: Mr. Jack Meekins, widower; Mr. and Mrs. W. Fletcher daughter and son-in-law; Mrs. Jessie Miller and Mrs. Ellen Turner, sisters; Mrs. Nellie Kirrage, niece. There were several beautiful floral tributes.

45.   Coventry Evening Telegraph, in United Kingdom. The British Newspaper Archive
    Page 16, Tuesday 8 Aug 1905.

    Death of Old-time Fighter
    Jack Meekins, formerly of Walworth, a bare-knuckle fighter and one of London’s best-known heavyweights with the gloves during the first decade of the century, died at his Kingston Hill (Surrey) home yesterday after a long illness. He was 69. During his career Meekins took part in over 1,000 contests.

46.   A photograph of Jack and further details of his boxing career can be found at BoxRec.com