He started traveling at the age of 13. Signed on to work as a cabin boy on a ship in Boston that was headed to the Philippines. It may possibly have been his grandfather’s ship but that is only speculation. The trip from Boston to the Philippines was almost 17,000 miles ONE WAY. I can’t even imagine that for a 13 year old boy. That definitely says something for Henry’s spirit for sure!
While sailing, Henry broke both legs after falling from a high mast but was able to convince the Captain to keep him on until they got back to Boston. He went back home to Saugus, MA to heal. Enough of the sea for him.
