Henry L. Stimson was born in New York City in 1867. He came from a wealthy family, known for its financial support for the republican party. In 1880 he was sent off to boarding school and 4 years later, to Yale University. At Yale Stimson excelled in philosophy and law and came first in his class. He graduated after only 18 months and in 1886 went to Harvard Law School. At Harvard Stimson performed very well, becoming a fully qualified lawyer at the age of 20 in 1888.