Henry Sleeper Harper

Who was Mr Henry Sleeper Harper?

Mr Henry Sleeper Harper was a prominent American businessman, heir to the Harper & Brothers publishing empire, and a survivor of the Titanic disaster. Born into a wealthy family on March 11, 1864, in New York City, Harper’s life was marked by privilege, adventure, and a remarkable brush with one of history’s most infamous maritime tragedies.

Early Life and Family Legacy

A Publishing Dynasty

Henry Sleeper Harper was born into a family that had already made its mark on American culture. His grandfather, Joseph Wesley Harper, had founded the publishing firm Harper and Brothers in the 1810s, establishing a legacy that would shape the literary landscape of the United States for generations to come.

Education and Early Career

Following in his family’s footsteps, Henry pursued higher education at Columbia University, graduating in 1888. After completing his studies, he joined the family business, Harper and Brothers, as was expected of him. However, it quickly became apparent that Henry’s interests lay beyond the confines of the publishing world.

A Life of Leisure and Travel

Wanderlust over Work

Despite his position in the family firm, Henry Sleeper Harper was more captivated by the allure of foreign travel than the day-to-day operations of the publishing business. This passion for exploration would become a defining characteristic of his life and, ultimately, lead him to his fateful journey on the Titanic.

A Brush with Disaster

Interestingly, Harper’s encounter with the Titanic was not his first brush with maritime danger. About a decade before the Titanic disaster, he had been aboard a ship that collided with an iceberg off the Grand Banks. This earlier experience would prove to be an eerie foreshadowing of the events to come.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

A Grand Tour Cut Short

In April 1912, Henry and his wife, Myra Haxtun Harper, were returning from an extensive tour of Europe and Asia. Their travels had taken them to exotic locations, including Cairo, Egypt, where Mr. Harper had acquired a dragoman (interpreter/guide) named Hammad Hassab.

Boarding the “Unsinkable” Ship

The Harpers boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, embarking on what they believed would be a luxurious journey home. They traveled in first-class accommodations, befitting their social status and wealth.

Unusual Travel Companions

The Harpers were accompanied by two notable companions:

1. Hammad Hassab, their Egyptian dragoman
2. Sun Yat-Sen, Henry’s Pekinese dog

The presence of these unusual travel companions, particularly the “handsome but mysterious” Hassab, became a topic of conversation among the first-class passengers.

The Night of the Disaster

A Calm Response to Chaos

When the Titanic struck the iceberg on the night of April 14, 1912, the Harpers responded with remarkable composure. They were roused from their cabin and made their way to the Boat Deck, where they initially waited in the gymnasium.

Escape on Lifeboat 3

The Harpers, along with Hassab and Sun Yat-Sen, were allowed to enter Lifeboat 3 on the starboard side of the ship. When questioned later about bringing his dog onto the lifeboat, Henry Harper famously remarked, “There seemed to be lots of room and nobody made any objection.”

Rescue and Return to New York

Aboard the Carpathia

The occupants of Lifeboat 3 were rescued by the RMS Carpathia at around 6:00 AM on April 15. Upon seeing the rescue ship, Mr. Harper was heard commenting on how small it looked with its single smokestack, especially in comparison to the majestic Titanic.

A Lighthearted Moment Amidst Tragedy

During the journey back to New York, Henry encountered a friend, Louis Ogden. In a moment of levity amidst the tragedy, Harper asked him, “Louis, how do you keep yourself looking so young?”

Life After the Titanic

Family and Personal Life

Myra Haxtun Harper, Henry’s first wife and fellow Titanic survivor, passed away on November 27, 1923. The couple had no children. Later, Henry remarried to Anne W. Hopson, with whom he had a son, also named Henry.

Return to Publishing

In 1928, Harper returned to the family publishing business, serving on the board of directors. This marked a reconnection with his family legacy after years of prioritizing travel and leisure.

Social and Civic Engagements

Henry was a member of several prestigious social clubs, including:

• The University Club
• The Century Club
• The Columbia Club

He was also a member of the Delta Phi fraternity, maintaining connections from his college days.

The Final Chapter

Henry Sleeper Harper passed away on March 1, 1944, at the age of 79 (seventy-nine). He died at his home at 125 E. 38th Street in New York City after a two-year illness, closing the book on a life filled with adventure, privilege, and a remarkable historical footnote.

Henry Sleeper Harper’s story serves as a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the elite passengers aboard the Titanic. His calm demeanor during the disaster, his unusual traveling companions, and his return to the family business all paint a picture of a man who lived life on his own terms, even in the face of one of history’s greatest maritime tragedies.