Joel Chandler Harris

Date of Birth: December 9, 1848

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: July 3, 1908

Biography

Joel Chandler Harris was an American journalist, fiction writer, and folklorist best known for his collection of Uncle Remus stories. Born on December 9, 1848, in Eatonton, Georgia, Harris grew up in a period of significant social and political change in the United States. Early in his career, he worked as a typesetter and eventually became an editor at various newspapers in the South, most notably The Atlanta Constitution. His Uncle Remus stories, which began appearing in 1879, brought him national fame. These tales, based on African-American oral folklore, were narrated by the fictional character Uncle Remus and featured animals like Br’er Rabbit and Br’er Fox. The stories provided a unique lens through which the complexities of Southern life and race relations could be examined. Harris was also a strong advocate for racial reconciliation and used his platform to promote understanding and tolerance. He continued to write and publish until his death on July 3, 1908, in Atlanta, Georgia. His work has left a lasting legacy in American literature and folklore.

5 Interesting Facts about Joel Chandler Harris

1. Joel Chandler Harris was largely self-educated and began his career in journalism at the age of 16.

2. The character Uncle Remus was inspired by African-American storytellers Harris met during his youth.

3. Harris was a shy and reclusive individual, often avoiding public appearances despite his fame.

4. He was awarded an honorary Master of Arts degree by Emory College in 1902.

5. The Uncle Remus stories have been translated into over 40 languages.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Joel Chandler Harris

1. “Watch out dere now! I might be little, but I’m hard to startle.”

2. “You can’t run away from trouble. There ain’t no place that far.”

3. “It’s not the color of the skin that counts, it’s the character.”

4. “The path to the house of a friend is never long.”

5. “Folks can’t learn less they’s willin’.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures for Joel Chandler Harris’s net worth at the height of his career are not well-documented, his earnings from his writings and newspaper work allowed him to live comfortably.

Children

Joel Chandler Harris had nine children with his wife, Esther LaRose Harris. Their names were: 1. Lucien Harris 2. Julian Harris 3. Linton Harris 4. Evelyn Harris 5. Mildred Harris 6. Joel Chandler Harris Jr. 7. Mary Esther Harris 8. Frances Harris 9. Robert Harris