MATTHEW A. HENSON. HASSAN CORK TIP CIGARETTES. THE ORIENTAL SMOKE. THE LARGEST SELLING BRAND OF CIGARETTES IN AMERICA. THE WORLD'S GREATEST EXPLORERS.
[New York: c. 1910-1915]. 2-1/2" x 3-1/4." Color portrait of Henson [head and shoulders] in cold-weather clothing. Light wear, Very Good.
For many years Henson was regarded as a virtual servant to Peary, as reflected in Hassan's verso description: "He was the faithful servant and bodyguard that accompanied Peary on the famous expedition from which he returned in 1909, after having attained the north pole on April 6 of that year. Henson was the first of the negro race to have this tremendous arctic achievement to his credit. He was also with Peary when the latter had charge of the surveys for the Nicaragua Canal in the late '80's. He speaks the Eskimo language fluently."
The Hassan company issued collectible cards with its cigarettes. This Henson card is from "The World's Greatest Explorers" series.
Research of family trees and federal census records indicates that Matthew Henson [1866-1955] was the nephew of Rev. Josiah Henson [1789-1883], the former slave, author, abolitionist, minister, and likely inspiration for the title character of Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. Matthew's father, Lemuel Henson [born c.1825-1832], was Josiah's younger brother. Item #40517
Price: $275.00