Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1870-03-02
Death of Mr.. ], Wesley Harper.

Mr.. Joseph Wesley Harper dled TINS
morning at half-past eight o'clock, at his
house, No. SO Clark street, IN Brooklyn.
Mr.. Harper was one of the four brothers
who founded the famous publishing house
of Harper & Brothers. He was the son OF
a farmer who lived in Newton, on Long Is
land, on place which is, we believe, still
owned by the family. The father appren-
ticed his sons of whom he had four, John,
James, Joseph Wesley and Flether, to the
printing trade, and all of whom served
their apprenticeship through, and were,
when of nge, taken into the firm founded
by the elder brother.
They began business as printers for pub
liz hers. but soon began to publish Oh their
own account, and made their earliest sue
cesses, not onlv through being good work
men themselves, but also by the excellent
and sound Judgment which they showed
in the selection of books for publication.
The literary culture and correct taste OF
Mr.. Wesley Harper contributed very large
ly to this result.
He was at one time the proof-reader OF
the firm, and at another foreman OF their
composing room, in which he had to deal
with a large body of men who were, as
printers were in those days. "hard cases.
apt to drink to excess and to be disorderly.
It was one of his pleasant recOllectioDs IN
his later years that IN lis management OF
these men he had secured their friendship,
and though q young man, was able to
maintain discipline in the "chapel," with
out ever resorting to hard words or harsh
measures.
Mr.. Harper was well-read man, familiar
with most of the masters in English litera-
ture, and, without making the least pre-
tentions to scholarship-as indeed he was
singularly free from pretensions of any
kind-wrote in very clear and finished
stvle, and was a sound critic and an excel
lent Judge of the literary merits of hooks.
We have heard that he wrote the prefaces
which are found in many of the volumes OF
the old Family Library, and he always ex-
ercised large influence over the choice OF
the publications of his house, as we'll as
over the conduct of Harper's Magazine.
Until his eldest son grew up and entered
the business, Mr.. Harper conducted the
literary correspondence of the house; and
manv of the authors whose works were
published by Harper & Brothers have beeR
charmed with his courtly and kindly let
ters. He possessed q singularly clear and
sound Judgment, both of men and looks,
but united to this great kindness and ten
derness.
Bv his friends and those in his employ
he was loved for his gentleness and friend
| illness. his unvarying careful consideration
! for the feelings of all who came near him
and shrinking modesty, which led him tC
conceal. go far as he could, his abilities
| He was, to the last day of his life, shy
man. but with a shrewd and kindly humol
which delighted all who familiarly met hin
| in Franklin Square, and which did not for
sake him even in the sufferings of his las
! hours.
To those dependent on him he was con
sidered kind to degree that won th
affection of all. His benevolence was un
! obtrusive, but constant and large; and h
| gave not merely money, but time and per
sonal attention. His heart was always Opel
to the appeals of the suffering, and man.
poor and unfortunate will mourn his dealt
as that of their best friend.
In that habit which the four brother
have always had, of taking personal IN
| terest in the welfare and comfort of thos
they employ, Mr.. Wesley Harper was
leader. Those who served the house wer
made to feel that he entertained for then
! the feelings of a friend, to whom the
could freely confde their troubles and sor
rows, and who was always sympathetl
and careful adviser and comforter.
Mr.. Harper was, for the greater part 0
his life, member of the Sands st. Metho
dist Church in Brooklyn, of which he wa
a constant attendant and an officer. He wa
a man of sincere piety, a Christian and
gentleman; useful and conscientious in al
parts of his life; with cheerful spirit
fine and even temper. hospitable, and tn
centre of large circle offriends, whom b
attached to himself as we'll by the charm
of his conversation as by his kindly spiri
and courtesy.
He had suffered for several years fror
the disease which had finally mastered him
The sudden death of Mr.. James Harper