Timothy Meaher was a prominent American businessman and shipbuilder in the 19th century, known for his involvement in the maritime industry. He was born in 1800 in Mobile, Alabama and became wealthy through his shipping ventures, particularly in the cotton trade. Meaher played a significant role in the development of the Alabama economy during this period. In 1860, Meaher gained notoriety for his role in the illegal importation of enslaved Africans aboard the ship Clotilda, which was the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States. This event highlighted the ongoing issues of slavery and human trafficking in America, and Meaher's actions contributed to the historical narrative surrounding these topics.