Henry David Thoreau

Early Life

He was born (1817) and raised in Concord, Massachusetts, along with his older siblings John and Helen and younger sister Sophia.
His father operated a local pencil factory, and his mother rented out parts of the family's home to boarders.
Thoreau eventually went to Harvard College (now Harvard University).
According to some reports, Thoreau had to take a break from his schooling for a time because of illness.
He graduated from college in 1837 and struggled with what do to next.
Other college graduates went into education, a teaching path briefly followed.
With his brother John, he set up a school in 1838., became a teacher.
The venture collapsed a few years later after John became ill.
Thoreau then went to work for his father for a time, pencil-making.