Henry William Soltau was born in 1805; he was the second son of George Soltau, who was a merchant with a thriving business, in the port city of Plymouth England. His father was a devout Anglican, as well as an energetic civic leader. George Soltau worked to establish the Plymouth Free School, the Bible was taught as an elective subject at the school. As a member of the Plymouth Town Council, he opposed the building of a theater. Mr. Soltau, while he laid a dying in his bed had a vision of all his six children reaching heaven; he died at age forty-four. Henry's mother was a determined, virtuous, caring woman and Henry was devoted to her.

Henry studied under the tutelage of Samuel Wilberforce (the son of British reformer, William Wilberforce) as he prepared to go to Cambridge. It was a great opportunity for Henry, for Samuel Wilberforce was to become the Anglican Bishop. Young Mr. Soltau Entered Trinity College, in 1825, and he took his degree in 1827.

Although Henry heard many of the popular evangelical preachers, it seemed to him that a clear presentation of the Gospel was not being taught. Henry tried to do what he was told, endeavoring to "do what was right," he observed formal religion, he gave freely to charities, and he read the Bible. However, he had no peace within.

Soltau pursued a career as a lawyer, studying at Lincoln's Inn, and later was called to the Chancery Bar. He read extensively, with an interest in the natural sciences, also he studied Hebrew in order that he might have a better understanding of the Old Testament. But his concerns for his soul's future appeared to be swallowed whole, by the attractions of London's society. He had wealth and influence in high places. He was an attractive and witty man. His vivacity and charm made him a social event everywhere he went, and he was a contemplative individual; but without Christ Henry William Soltau was an empty man, growing weary of worldly pleasure.

In January, 1837, a letter from home said his mother was ill, and when a second letter arrived, Henry packed his bag. The letter was not written in an alarming manner, but somehow he sensed that his mother was dying, and that he would not see her alive.

As he neared the house his uncle met him to bring the news of his mothers passing. Once home he fell to his knees in front of his mother's coffin that night, he prayed with sincerity and fervor, "Lord, if Thou dost not save me, I am lost for ever!"

Henry Soltau was led into the light of the grace of Christ, by Captain Percy Hall. The change was so great that a family member remarked: "You are like the man in the third of Acts, walking and leaping and praising God."

Upon his return to London, Henry’s old companions politely shunned him, because of his new found beliefs. Soon, he gave up his legal practice and moved to Plymouth with his sisters. Henry Soltau became a prominent Bible teacher and was an elder in the flourishing Plymouth assembly on Ebrington Street.

W. H. Cole described listening to him as thus, "Mr. Soltau was the first, I think, who taught the meaning of the types and sacrifices of the Old Testament, and as he unfolded the teaching of those symbols concerning the manifold perfection of the person and work of the Son of God, a peculiar awe brooded over the assembly, impelling to the silent worship of Him of whom he discoursed. The strain was solemn, calm and clear; his voice a deep tone, yet melodious, as it seemed almost to sing of salvation and the glories of the Savior. He was withal a great preacher of righteousness."

In 1860, Henry Soltau began losing his eyesight; fear of total blindness came upon him, but he did recover somewhat, and could still travel alone and could read a large print Bible. In 1861 he moved to Exeter where he produced his books (The Tabernacle, the Priesthood, and the Offerings; The Holy Vessels and Furniture of the Tabernacle) that did so much to open up biblical teaching on the subjects of the Tabernacle in the wilderness, the priesthood and the Levitical offerings.

Henry spoke in London, at the Freemasons' Hall in, and preached in Glasgow, Birmingham, Hereford, Teignmouth, and Dublin. It was in Exeter in 1866, that he met evangelist, Samuel Blow, who testified of Soltau's preaching, "As I listened, each word seemed to fall like a hammer, leaving a lasting impression...I frequently came across persons who had been converted while listening to him preaching in the open-air or at riverside baptisms."

Autumn of 1867 saw Rev. Soltau preach his last sermon, for his health was giving way. He spoke in London, and on that last Sunday, he preached six times. Shortly after, a stroke left him paralyzed. He never spoke again publicly.

Soltau and his wife had three sons and six daughters. All of which came to the Lord early and dedicated themselves to His service, working in France, China and Burma. Each of their children was a credit to their parents. Henry Soltau practiced at home, what he taught in public "First yourself; then the home; then the Church; then the world." In 1870, he moved to Barnstaple to end out his days.

On the first of July, 1875, the end finally came, after having he been unconscious for weeks, but on that day in July, he lifted his head, he opened his eyes, and a smile, as if it were from heaven shone on his face. Without a sigh or gasp, Henry William Soltau died. Truly, he was a Trailblazer for the Church.