Matthew Henson

Explorer

Birthday August 8, 1866

Birth Sign Leo

Birthplace Nanjemoy, MD

DEATH DATE Mar 9, 1955 (88)

#29,567 Most Popular

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.