Administrative / Biographical History

MRCS 1857; LSA 1862.

Meacham's early life was spent in the army before coming to Manchester circa 1846. He was appointed labour master at the Chorlton Union Workhouse, a position which gave him experience of working with the very poor. Meacham decided to gain medical qualifications so he could better help them, and undertook his medical education at MRI and Manchester Royal School of Medicine. He was surgeon to the General Hospital for Sick Children, Manchester. In 1864 Meacham was appointed medical officer to St George's District, Manchester, he soon after founded the Red Bank Medical Mission (later known as the Manchester Medical Mission and Dispensary). He attended the Mission daily as medical superintendent for 30 years. Meacham was also medical examiner for Government Insurance and surgeon to the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society. He was a member of MMS and of the Manchester Medico-Ethical Association. Despite retiring as medical officer due to ill health, Meacham continued to practice and to attend the Mission until his death. He died on 18 September 1897, aged 74.