Date of Birth: January 28, 1841
Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Date of Death: May 10, 1904
Biography
Henry Morton Stanley, born John Rowlands on January 28, 1841, in Denbigh, Wales, was a Welsh-American journalist and explorer who is famously known for his exploration of Africa and his search for missionary and explorer David Livingstone. Stanley’s early life was fraught with hardship; he was born to an unwed mother and spent much of his early years in a workhouse. In 1859, he emigrated to the United States, where he adopted the name Henry Morton Stanley after being taken in by a merchant of the same name. Stanley served as a journalist during the American Civil War and later, as an adventurer, undertook several expeditions into Africa. His most famous journey was his expedition to find David Livingstone, who had not been heard from for several years. In 1871, Stanley succeeded and greeted Livingstone with the now-famous phrase, “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Stanley’s exploration accomplishments include mapping the Congo River and playing a pivotal role in the colonization of the Congo by King Leopold II of Belgium. He authored several books about his travels, contributing significantly to European knowledge of Africa.
5 Interesting Facts about Henry Morton Stanley
1. Henry Morton Stanley was originally named John Rowlands and only took on the name Henry Morton Stanley after moving to America.
2. Stanley’s famous phrase “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” is often cited as one of the most well-known quotes in the history of exploration.
3. Stanley was knighted in 1899, becoming Sir Henry Morton Stanley.
4. He mapped over 7,000 miles of the African interior, contributing greatly to the world’s understanding of the continent.
5. Stanley’s explorations and writings played a significant role in the Scramble for Africa, particularly in the establishment of the Congo Free State under King Leopold II.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Morton Stanley
1. “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”
2. “I detest the man who hides one thing in the depth of his heart and speaks forth another.”
3. “There are three stages in scientific discovery: first, people deny it is true; then they deny it is important; finally, they credit the wrong person.”
4. “The strong man is the one who is able to intercept at will the communication between the senses and the mind.”
5. “All things are ready, if our mind be so.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Henry Morton Stanley’s exact net worth is not well-documented, but his wealth was considerable enough for him to live comfortably and be knighted. He earned significant sums from his books and lectures.
Children
Henry Morton Stanley did not have any biological children. He was married to Dorothy Tennant, an English painter, but the couple did not have children.
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