Harte

Francis Bret, an American novelist and poet; born in Albany, N. Y., Aug. 25, 1839. He went to California in 1854, and figured as a coal dealer, a teacher, and a typesetter on the “‘ Golden Era,” in which appeared some of his earliest literary efforts. He next became editor of the * Californian,” and in 1864 secretary to the United States Mint at San Francisco. In 1868 he became editor of the “ Overland Monthly,” in which appeared, in 1869, the humorous poem of “The Heathen Chinee.” In 1878 he became United States consul at Crefeld, whence he was transferred to Glasgow in 1880, and remained there till 1885. Among his best known works are “The Luck of Roaring Camp,” and “The Out easts of Poker Flat.” During the last 24 years of his life.