Henry Smeathman (1742–86)

Explorer and entomologist. Worked at various jobs and became tutor for a family in Birmingham by 1768. Through contacts at the Aurelian Society, gained access to many entomological collections. Sponsored on a collecting journey to Sierra Leone and the Guinea coast, 1771. In 1775, during his return to England, his vessel was captured near the West Indies and his books and collections were lost. After four years in the West Indies, returned to England in 1779. Presented a treatise on termites to the Royal Society of London in 1781.