About
Along with his traveling partner, Robert Peary, he became the first person to reach the North Pole in 1909.
Before Fame
He worked as a dishwasher in local cafes before landing a job as a cabin boy at age 12.
Trivia
Despite being the first person to reach the North Pole, he is often overshadowed by his partner's fame.
Family Life
He was raised by his uncle after his parents died. He married Lucy Ross in 1906.
Associated With
His great grandnephew worked with Bill Cosby.
