Background
Henry was born in 1832, in Amsterdamsche Veld I, Drenthe, Netherlands.
Henry was born in 1832, in Amsterdamsche Veld I, Drenthe, Netherlands.
While young: he migrated to America where he studied and became proficient in the Japanese language.
Came to Japan as interpreter for Townsend Harris when the latter was appointed American Consul General at Shimoda (1856). Later was interpreter to English envoy Elgin and also helped Prussian envoy Eulenburg conclude a treaty with Japan. He was killed in a skirmish with Japanese ruffians at Aka-bane, Tokyo.
