Born in 1839, Meves studied with the Konstantinovsky Cadet Corps, and on 13 August 1853 he became an officer in the Pavlovsky Regiment of the Imperial Guards.

In 1863, he participated in the suppression of the Polish uprising and on 12 June was awarded the Order of St. Stanislav, 3rd degree, with the sword and bow.

In the Russian-Turkish war of 1877–1878, Meves was wounded, receiving the Order of St. Vladimir, 4th degree, with the sword and bow.

In 1878 Meves was in command of the Imperial Guards 2nd rifle battalion and in 1884, the Pavlovsky Regiment.

In 1897, Lieutenant General Meves was appointed Chief of the 2nd Guards Infantry Division and in 1899, commander of the 20th Army Corps.