The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1870-02-15
OBITUARY.,
]. WeaIaY Hnrrnr.
Mann.

Joseph Wesley Harper, one OF the founders OF the
celebrated New York publishing house OF Harper &
Brothers, died az his residence In that city yester
day. The deceased was the third son OF family OF
four, whose names and dates OF birth are as fol-
lows James born In 1885, John, In 1871; Joseph
Wesley, in 1901; and Fletcher IN 1906. The sons OF
a substantial Long Island farmer, upon whose home
stead In Newtown they were all born, they received
In their early youth such teachings and experiences
as best fitted them for the great success which they
achieved. James and John were at the proper age
apprenticed to New York printer. and by over
work and careful industry succeeded in saving
few hundred dollars, upon which capital they soon
established themselves In business, at FIRST printing
only such works as were ordered by others who
assumed the responsibility OF their failure or sue
cess in the market. In these early days OF their
business career, both OF them worked at the case
and press, while the two younger sons became in
turn their apprentices. On attaining their majority
Joseph Wesley and Fletcher were admitted into the
firm the style of which was changed from J. & j.
Harper to that OF Harper Brothers, which has for
years been one OF the best known throughout the
literary world. Go
The exercise of a sound judgment in the selection
OF works for publication not less than the individual
energy OF the irm laid the foundation OF their sue
cess In the year 1926 they established themselves
at Nos 81 and SO Cliff street, where their business
gradually expanded to large proportions until the
entire destruction by fire of their building. in 1858,
million OF dollars. This disaster, however, was
merely the signal for renewal OF their energy On
the evening that witnessed the destruction of their
establishment, family council was held, at which 1t
was determined to continue their business although
Its success had been such as to leave them
all with comfortable fortunes, and on that
very evening telegram was sent to Boston order
ing twenty new Adams presses to supply the places
OF those lost in the fire, while contracts were made
with various firms to do their printing until the new
establishment should be ready for occupation. The
new building which they erected on Franklin Square
was made entirely fre-proof in anticipation OF re-
currence Of such disaster as had befallen the old
one, and 1t was planned on such extensive scale
as to permit OF the prosecution Of all the branches Of
their enormous business within its walls As it now
stands 1t is the largest book publishing concern in
the world, monument OF the enterprise and busi-
ness tact OF the four men who have fairly wrenched
success from the hands of fate. h
Widely known as has been the firm OF Harper &
Brothers as publishers of books in every branch OF
knowledge, their names have been still more exten-
svely circulated through the agency OF their we'll
known periodical publications In 1850 Harper's
Magazine was established, principally through the
earnest advocacy OF the youngest brother, although
the enterprise was not undertaken without lively
sense OF the risk 1t involved. But from the very
outset 1t became great favorite with the public. In
1867 Ha1perS Weekly was started, and encountered
similar success being especially popular during the
recent war for its admirable Illustrations OF
the prominent scenes and events OF
the great struggle. A little over two years ago, q
third periodical was added to the list and HdrperS
BazaT, journal of fashion and society has already
firmly established itself by the side Of the others
meeting want which had been unsupplied In this
country previous to Its inauguration
Joseph Wesley Harper was at one time the proof
reader OF the firm, and at another the foreman Of
the composition room. He also for many years con
Quoted the literary correspondence OF the house. bu
was finally relieved OF that by his eldest son, and
although making no pretensons to elegant scholar
ship, was an excellent judge of the merit Of books
and wrote In clear and attractive style, many o.
the preaces to the volumes OF the "Family Library
having been his work. For forty years the deceased
was faithful member of the Methodist Episcopa
Church. and his death will be not less Of loss to th
Church with which he was 80 long and so promi
nently identified, than to the world OF letters. A
James Harper, the eldest member OF the origina
firm, died about year ago, 30 that but two OF thu
four brothers remain, and both of them are wei
| advanced in years. number OF their children
however, have been taken into the business and thu
| style OF the firm will doubtless remain unchanged
| for years TO come.