Introduction/ Families

Meil

John Meil and his wife Margaret (Maggie) Ann Mainland came to Holland in late 1924 and were there for some twelve years.

John was born at Banks, Westray on 16th July 1893, the only son of George Meil and May Allan. In 1915 he married Margaret (Maggie) Ann Mainland of Taphland, Westray. Maggie was born in Kirkwall in 1894 to William Mainland from Rousay and Mary Drever from Westray. At the time William farmed at Carness.

John and Maggie had two sons:

• George William (Billy) Meil , born 20th October 1915, Taphland. Billy married, but had no family. He was very good at repairing radios, televisions and any type of small appliance. He died 4th October 1990 and is buried in Kirkwall.

• John Robert (Bobby) Meil , born 18th July 1921, Taphland. Bobby died on 2nd January 1990 and is buried in Kirkwall.

The family lived at Taphland, where Maggie’s father farmed. John’s occupation was given as a farmer, and later as a grocer’s van man.

The school log for Pharay indicates that a new student was admitted in November 1924, probably Billy. His younger brother started school in February 1927, and Billy left school at the end of October 1929, then being over age. Bobby had left by 5th August 1935.

In November 1936 the family went to Ferseness, Eday where they farmed. Maggie died there 11th July 1959, age sixty five.

In September 1972, the family left Eday for South Wald, Evie. John died in Kirkwall on 2nd June 1974. He was eighty.