Henry Watson Furniss

Henry Watson Furniss (February 14, 1868 - December 20, 1955) was a medical doctor and diplomat from the United States.

Early life and family He was born in Brooklyn, New York, the son of William Henry Furniss who was appointed assistant secretary of state in Mississippi. In Jackson, Mississippi his brother, Sumner Alexander Furniss, was born in 1874. He worked as a physician and surgeon in Indianapolis before his appointment. He worked as a physician and surgeon in Indianapolis before his appointment. He stayed in the Consular Service for seven years. The Consular Service was part of the Department of State before 1924. They collected information for decision-makers and garnered support for U.S. policies. While in Brazil, Furniss contracted numerous illnesses that affected his health for the rest of his life. It wouldn't be promoted to an ambassadorship until 1943. Furniss promoted American economic interests in Haiti while opposing U.S. imperialistic designs to take control of the country. The New York Times reported on his work in Haiti in 1909. In 1909, Harry Johnston complimented Furniss and his ability to work with the "rotten" Haitian government in a letter to Roosevelt. Furniss was succeeded as ambassador to Haiti by Madison Roswell Smith in 1913.

Later life and legacy After leaving Haiti with his family, he settled in West Hartford, Connecticut. Furniss lived as a white man upon leaving the consular service. His granddaughter expressed surprise upon learning that he was African American when she was forty years old. Various diplomatic papers and medical writings of his are extant.

His brother Sumner also became a doctor, was involved in Indianapolis politics, and a leader for African American causes.