Robert John Lechmere Guppy was born in San Fernando, Trinidad back in 1836 to Robert and Amelia. He was raised by his grandparents, Richard Parkinson and Lucy. His grandfather wanted him to take over the castle, a role in which he had no interest. He came into an inheritance from other relatives.
He left England at 18 and visited Australia, Tasmania before being shipwrecked on the coast of New Zealand in 1856 for two years. Later he became Trinidad’s Chief Inspector of Schools until his retirement in 1891. Although he had no formal training he wrote and published numerous articles on the paleontology of the region. He also served as President of the Scientific Association of Trinidad and the Royal Victoria Institute Board.
What you may not know about Robert is that in 1866, he discovered a fish of which they carry his name the Guppy fish. Now you know how they got their name.
NW Arkansas, come for a visit, stay for a lifetime.
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