Henry David Thoreau Henry spent the majority of his life walking in and around the town of Concord, although he did make few journeys to other places. Henry spent most of his time walking in the wilderness of Concord. Occasionally, he would be found sauntering and conversing with his mentor and friend, Ralph Waldo Emerson or Ellery Channing. Some believe Henry went to live at Walden Pond because he was a hermit or a recluse or because he hated his fellow man, but this is not the case. Henry had a very special and sincere reason to go to Walden Pond; to honor his brother. On January 11, 1842, Henry's brother, John Jr., died