How did John Thoreau’s death affect Henry David Thoreau?

The death of Henry David Thoreau’s brother, John, in January 1842 profoundly affected him, causing significant personal grief. John died of tetanus after cutting his finger, a loss that accentuated Henry’s restlessness during that period of his life.1

Following this tragedy, Henry sought a change of environment, moving to Staten Island later that year to work as a tutor in the household of William Emerson while attempting to establish himself in the New York literary market. His time away from Concord was marked by professional disappointment, and he ultimately returned home in late 1843, having found no success in his efforts to conquer the city.1