Uncovering the Little-Known Life of Matthew Henson: Personal Information Revealed
Matthew Alexander Henson is a name that might not ring a bell to many, but he is often referred to as the “first African American Arctic explorer”. He is a fascinating character who lived an extraordinary life that is worth exploring in detail. Most people only know Henson as an explorer partner to Robert Edwin Peary, but there’s more to him than that. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this legendary figure, gaining insight into his background, life experiences, and achievements.
Early Life and Education
Matthew Henson was born on August 8, 1866, in Maryland, the son of two freeborn black sharecroppers. Unfortunately, Henson’s parents died when he was young, and he was forced to work as a cabin boy at the age of 12, after running away from his abusive stepmother. Henson’s love for the sea piqued at an early age and motivated him to embark on a career as a seaman. After spending time in Washington DC, he met Peary who became his partner in Arctic exploration.
Personal Life
Henson married Lucy Ross in 1891, whom he referred to as his “Esquimaux wife” and together they had four children. Lucy is believed to have been an Inuit woman, and the couple lived in her hometown of Upernavik, Greenland. Despite language and cultural barriers, they were able to build a life together and remain devoted to each other until her death in 1924.
Explorations with Peary
Matthew Henson’s most notable achievements came as an Arctic explorer alongside Robert Edwin Peary. They began their first exploration journey together in 1891, which took them to 1600 km north of the Arctic Circle. Their first foray into the Arctic was characterised by Henson surveying with the sextant and gaining hands-on experience in igloo construction, dogsled driving, and Arctic survival skills through the aid and instruction of his Inuit friends.
In 1909, they made their most notable journey to the North Pole, which earned worldwide recognition. Henson was said to have been the first to set foot on the North Pole. However, there was disagreement as to whether their achievement was actually legitimate, as it was officially unverified. Critics suggested the alleged “proof” of Peary’s navigational calculations could not be trusted without consulting the ship’s chronometer, which had been lost. However, supporters of Henson and Peary’s achievement would say that the harsh environment of the Arctic and its atmospheric conditions rendered the chronometer useless. Nevertheless, their partnership in discovering the Arctic has left its permanent mark in history.
Henson’s Legacy
Henson’s contributions to the field of Arctic exploration were recognised, but for much of his life, he was underappreciated due to racial prejudice. Fortunately, in 1944, Henson was admitted as a charter member in the prestigious Explorers Club for his feats of Arctic exploration. He died on March 9, 1955, in the Bronx and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Conclusion
Matthew Henson led an extraordinary life that deserves recognition. He overcame many challenges and exerted considerable effort to explore a world where no man or woman had dared to venture before. His willingness to learn from and respect the native people of Greenland and other Arctic areas, as well as his exploratory partnership with Peary, left a lasting impression on the world. Despite the obstacles Henson endured, he remains a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and courage.
