Chapter 21

JAMES HARPER.

The Brothers Harper--Birth and parentage of James Harper--The Long Island home--James Harper goes to New York--Becomes a "devil"--Winning his way--How he gave his card to a stranger--Arrival of "Brother John"---Good habits--Sets up for himself--"J. & J. Harper, Printers"--How they started in business--Integrity rewarded--First job--Their first effort at stereotyping--The Harpers become publishers on their own account--Their early ventures--Feeling their way to success--Their publications--Character of their books--How they drove the "yellow covers" out of the market--Their prosperity--Admission of new partners--The great fire--Destruction of the establishment of Harper & Brothers--Energy of the firm--Re-establishment of their business--Their new premises--Description of the buildings--Personal characteristics of Mr. James Harper--Religious life--Liberality of sentiment--His industry--Elected Mayor of New York--Kindness to his operatives--Physical Vigor--"The Lord knows best"--Accident to Mr. Harper and his daughter--His death.