Fletcher Harper (January 31, 1806 – May 29, 1877) was an American publisher in the early-to-mid 19th century.
Fletcher Harper was born January 31, 1806, inNewtown, New York.[1] He was the youngest of four sons born to Joseph Henry Harper, (1750–1838), a farmer, carpenter, and storekeeper, and Elizabeth Kollyer, aDutch Burgher's daughter. With his brothers,James, John, and Joseph Wesley, he founded theHarper & Brothers publishing house.[1] He is credited with foundingHarper's Weekly (1850),Harper's Magazine (1850),[1] andHarper's Bazaar (1867).[2] Fletcher gave cartoonistThomas Nast his start inHarper's Weekly, and gave Nast great editorial freedom. His newspaperHarper's Weekly rose to fame during the American Civil War because of Nast's depiction of the war. It was called by United States PresidentAbraham Lincoln, "The greatest recruiter for the United States Military."Harper's Weekly was also responsible for publishing the first modern image ofSanta Claus (drawn by Nast).
Harper died at his home in New York City on May 29, 1877.[1] His paper lost influence after his death when his successorGeorge William Curtis began putting restrictions on Nast, causing him to quit in 1886.[citation needed]
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