Henry Davis Sleeper was a nationally-noted antiquarian

Antiquarian

An antiquarian or antiquary is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. More specifically, the term is used for those who study history with particular attention to ancient objects of art or science, archaeological and historic sites, or historic archives and manuscripts...

, collector, and interior decorator. He was born March 27, 1878, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was grandson of Jacob Sleeper and son of Jacob Henry Sleeper. He was a member of Dabsville.

He was sufficiently prominent that his design showcase home in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Beauport

Beauport, Sleeper-McCann House

Beauport, also known as Sleeper-McCann House, Little Beauport, or Henry Davis Sleeper House, is a historic house in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was built starting in 1907 as the summer home of interior decorator and antique collector Henry Davis Sleeper...

, was declared a National Historic Landmark

National Historic Landmark

A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...

 in 2003.

Sleeper became the U.S. representative and a major fundraiser for the American Field Service ambulance corps during World War I. France awarded him the Croix de Guerre

Croix de guerre

The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...

 and the Legion of Honor.