The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-07-29
GEORGE REX GRAHAM DEAD.
At One Time the Greatest Magazine
Publisher I'm America.

Publisher I'm America.
George Rex Graham, at one time the
most famous magazine publisher in the
United States, died at Memorial hospital,
Orange, n. J.. July Is. He was born in
Philadelphia, January ls, 1913, and, on ac-
count Of his unusual aptitude for literary
matters while a boy, it WAS intended that
he should have liberal education, and
make either the law or letters his profess
sion. The death of his father compelled
the abandonment OF this plan. and young
Graham was obliged to learn the trade of
caoinetmaker while living with an uncle.
lie employed every spare moment. how
ever, in reading, regularly devoting six
hours daily to literary pursuits after his
cabinet work was done for the day. In q
few years he was able to enter q law office,
and soon afterward he was admitted to the
Philadelphia bar. Meanwhile he had been
contributing a series of papers to the Phil
adelphia press. which had met with so
much favor that he was invited TO become
the editor OF the Saturday Eeening Post, of
which he became. subsequently. one OF
the proprietors. While continuing his re-
iations with the Post he purchased a small
monthly publication called Atkinson's Cas-
ket devoted to literature, which he edited
and published till lS4T. when, the opportu-
nifty offering. he united il with the Gentle
mems Mag0rins aud formed Grdham's Nag
dziae, which for many years thereafter was
known as the best magazine Of its kind
published in the United States.
Under his management Grdhaya's Maod-
rine attained very large circulation. It's
contributors included William Cullen
BRYANT, James Fenimore Cooper, Edgar
A Poe, Bavard Taylor. Henry W. Long
fellow. James Russell Lowell, John @.
SAKE, r. +. Whipple. William Devoe, Mrs.
Ann stephens y. T.. Willis. Thomas
Damn English, and others. Charles J.
Peterson was associated with Mr.. Graham
for a while, but withdrew 10 start Peter
sons Nagasfae. So much prosperity at
tended fsrahnfa's NGga.iue that its pro-
prietor was induced 10 extend his sphere
as publisher. He accordingly purchased
in 1857 the Philadelphia North 4meTicas
and the Uaited States Gazette, TWO Ian
gushing publications, and merged the
two IN one strong publication. the North
American, which he placed under the man
aging esliforshIp Of Robert /. Conrad, dis
tinguished alike as a juFist, poet, dram at
ist aud author IN general. Later on. Mr..
Graham associated with himself IN this
publication Morton McMichael and then
became 80 prosperous that he was known
~
twas Just here that Mr. Graham's pros
peritv ealminated. lie disposed OF bis in-
terest in the North Americda 10 Mr.. Nc
Michael and entered into stock specula-
lions, aud il vas not very long before ths
literary man vas tnveig ea into q bogus
stock operation in which he lost nearly
everything.
soon afterwari be went 10 New York
and sontlnued his financial misfortanes II
Wall street Then he vent 10 Newark. y.
J.. where he became editor % the Newark
Journal. which he continued 20 condGct
unttl failing eyessghf and health compelled
hiu 20 desist from ali work. Ar enc tsFne
he became quite blind from catzracts on
both eyes These sers removed 81 skIal-
fal operatlon in the New York ophthAlmss
hosostal. but tie had not of ATE years been
ahle 10 do much work With his pen. And
had remained asiepeadent some what upan
the klnd of5ces of his former partner,
Charles J. Peterson, literally assisted by
sieorgs ". Ckilds, OF the Philadelphia
Ledger.
Fsrtv-sve years ago no man vas better
known In literary circles Than George Rex
Graham. Hia name wss a household word.
Although q writer Of grace and force, Mr..
Graham never made sny pretenee % be.
strictly speaking. literary man. bat be
was a generous employer, and IN many
instances vas also the dissovcrer 81 our
hest-kno@n and greatest Erlters. BE wAs
the frs Amsrscsa publisher n rAy re-
speetsAle rrlces for literary wares haysri
TAvgor. y hose Iiiest poems he puol1she1.
yes asnzxed when Graham fenderesa hlEa 3
s-5 eAesx Ter two poorly pEl1sd poetic