J.F. & B.F. Meek - Frankfort, KY
Jonathan F. Meek was a jeweler and watch smith in Frankfort, KY. He specialized in making jewelry and repairing watches. The Meek name first appeared on Kentucky reels in the late 1830's. In 1839, Jonathan formed a partnership with his brother Benjamin as his apprentice. They made reels marked "J.F. & B.F. Meek" from about 1839 to 1852.
The earliest reels are simply marked with the Meek name and city in which they were made - Frankfort, KY. Later reels were also marked with a reel size like No. 2, No. 3, etc. The reel size indicated the reel's line capacity. The larger the number, the larger the reel. Another apprentice with the Meeks was Benjamin C. Milam. He was hired in 1848. At this time, the company name was J.F. Meek & Co. In 1852 the company failed and J.F. Meek moved to Louisville. B.F. Meek stayed in Frankfort and with B.C. Milam formed a new company "Meek & Milam."
All Meek fishing reels are collectable and those marked "J.F. & B.F. Meek" are very rare.
The J.F. & B.F. MEEK Sterling Silver NO. 6 Reel, circa 1850
The J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 1 Reel, circa 1845
The J.F. & B.F. MEEK Brass NO. 1 Reel, circa 1845
The J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 2 Reel, circa 1845
The 3 Screw J.F. & B.F. MEEK NO. 2 Reel, circa 1845
Photo of this Meek Reel by Doug Carpenter
A Pocket Watch Containing J.F. & B.F. MEEK Advertising Insert Inside Case
Link to B.F. Meek Interview in 1895 Frankfort Roundabout Newspaper
Outing Magazine, "Evolution of the Kentucky Reel", by Dr. James A. Henshall, Dec. 1900
Forrest and Stream Magazine, "History of the Kentucky Reel", Interview with J. L. Sage, Jan. 1915
Forrest and Stream Magazine, "More About The Kentucky Reel", Dr. James A. Henshall, Feb. 1915
Field & Stream, "The Kentucky Reel", by Robert Lincoln Page, March, 1930
Field & Stream, "My Old Kentucky Reel", by A.J. McClane, January, 1953