Alderman John Joseph Mechi (1802–1880) was a silversmith, banker, inventor and Alderman of the City of London. He experimented with new farming methods on his estate at Tiptree in Essex. [1][2]

MECHI, JOHN JOSEPH (1802–1880), agriculturist, born in London 22 May 1802, was third son of Giacomo Mechi, a citizen of Bologna, who early in life settled in England, was naturalised, and obtained a post at Kensington Palace in the household of George III. His mother was Elizabeth, daughter of J. Beyer of Poland Street, London.

John Joseph Mechi (1802-1880). Illustration of Mechi’s shop at 4 Leadenhall Street, London taken from his catalogue entitled, ‘List of Articles Manufactured and Sold – Wholesale, Retail, and for Exportation, by Mechi, No.4 Leadenhall Street, London.’

J.P. Agriculturist who was a passionate promoter of new farming methods, and founder of "The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution" (RABI) in 1860, and which will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2010.

John Joseph Mechi has been likened to a character from a Thomas Hardy novel. He rose from humble origins to great heights, then lost everything on the wheel of fortune and died bankrupt. But not before he had become a household name in agricultural circles and left a legacy which continues to help those in need in the farming community.

Alderman John Joseph Mechi (1802–1880) was a silversmith, banker, inventor and Alderman of the City of London. He experimented with new farming methods on his estate at Tiptree in Essex.

Born in London in 1802 to an Italian father who held claim to royal connections both in Italy and England in the household of King George III. Residing at 4 Leadenhall Street, London, John Joseph Mechi had also been in the employ of Kensington Palace claiming personal connections with, amongst others, Queen Charlotte...

"Mechi, John Joseph," in Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, London: Smith, Elder, & Co. (1885–1900) in 63 vols. Some or all works by this author were published before January 1, 1929, and are in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

In 1833 John Joseph Mechi who lived at 4 Leadenhall St gave evidence that helped to convict Henry Gordon at the Old Bailey of steeling cloth and clothing from the Mechi dwelling. Gordon, aged 25, was sentenced to transportation for life.