Matthew Henson

(http://www.gpschools.org/ci/images/hensonarctic.jpg)

Define a true hero. Dictionary.com defines a hero as a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. Webster.com says a hero is a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability. Even though those two definitions may convince some people, they don't convince me. To me a true hero is someone who goes the extra mile to accomplish what some might say is impossible. They show society that there is still hope and make others' dreams become reality. The hero I chose did exactly that. He is courageous, open-minded, creative, very capable of being adapted, determined, and friendly to others.

My hero's name is Matthew Henson. He is the great-great nephew of Josiah Henson (a famous fugitive slave). He was born on August 6th, 1866 in Charles County, Maryland. At the age of thirteen, he worked as a cabin boy on a merchant boat (named the Katie Hines) on the local shores of Maryland. While working as a cabin boy he taught himself many things that would be very helpful in the future such as reading, writing, mathematics, history, geography and seafaring skills. This went on for about six to seven years of traveling at sea, until he met Commander Robert R. Peary (an officer in the U.S. Navy) in 1888. Robert needed someone who could help him as he traveled to Nicaragua and Matthew was just the man for the job. After the expedition, Peary recruited Matthew as his colleague.

Matthew Henson in the Arctic Circle (http://www.princeton.edu/~bsu/images/Matthew%20Henson.jpg)

In April of 1891, Peary left the Navy and began on a trip to the Arctic Circle. When he asked Matthew if he wanted to come, Matthew agreed without any hesitation. During the long and dangerous trip to the North Pole, Peary and Matthew met Inuits (who are also known as Eskimos) and they taught the crew how to survive the coldness of the Arctic. The Inuits took a liking to Matthew based on his skills. Peary said himself, "He (Matthew Henson) is a better dog driver and can handle a sledge better than any man living except some of the best Eskimo hunters. I couldn't get along without him." Finally, in April 6th 1906, Matthew Henson and two of the four Inuits made it to the North Pole. Peary was left behind on Camp Jesup due to a broken foot. Matthew was the first African-American person to ever reach the North Pole. Sadly though, he did not get the recognition he deserved till 1937 when he became a member of the Explorers Club. Since then, he has won many awards. Sadly, he died March 9th, 1955 (at the age of 88).

Matthew Henson is a true hero to me because he was determined to do the impossible and not because of fame either, but for the excitement and for the love he had for the sea. His accomplishments motivate me to become all that I can be no matter what anyone says I can or can't do. Matthew faced society and proved it wrong about what it says about African-Americans. Matthew Henson has driven me to change as a person by his achievements and strength in the Arctic Circle. Because of what he did, I want to become more determined to do the impossible, just like him.

Commander Robert R. Peary

So, what defines a true hero? Is it mythical creatures from far away places? No way! Is it the people with the most fame or fortune? I don't think so! Is it characters that have the ability to fly and wear tights and masks all day? None of the above! True heroes are everyday people who help each other keep their hope. People who save others from death or just simply from getting in trouble. Those are real heroes, like Matthew Henson.