Revell, Fleming H. (1849-1931)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1931 Nov 11 p. 1

Birth date: 1849 Dec 11

text of obituary:

Founder of Large Publishing House Dies.

A prominent publisher and distributor of evangelical literature passed from this life when Fleming H. Revell, founder and chairman of the board of the publishing house that bears his name, died recently in St. John's hospital, Yonkers, in his 82nd year. Some time ago he suffered injuries from a fall at his home in Fieldson, Riverdale-on-Hudson, which necessitated his removal to the hospital, where it was found that he had fractured his pelvis. Complications set in which, owing to his advanced age, ended fatally.

Mr. Revell was born in Chicago on Dec. 11, 1849. He entered the publishing business on his own account in 1869 by renting a small office in Arcade court, Chicago, and issuing a religious monthly, Everybody's Paper. In 1871 came the great Chicago fire, in which everything associated with the youthful publisher's venture was destroyed. Mr. Revell started again, and to Everybody's Paper added Words of Life, Temperance Tales, and the Sunday school Lesson Illustrator.

After a year or so Mr. Revell determined to devote himself to book publication. The first volume to bear his imprint was "Grace and Truth," by W. P. Mackay. It still is listed in the Revell company's catalog, and after sixty years, still sells.

In 1887 Mr. Revell opened a branch office in Yonkers in the old building of the American Tract society on Nassau street. The next year he removed to Bible house, Astor place, then to Union square (112 5th avenue), and in 1899 to 158 5th avenue, the present location.

Early in this period Mr. Revell made New York the headquarters of the company, with branches in Chicago, Toronto, London and Edinburgh. In 1929 he retired from the active presidency after a period covering more than 60 years, but retained the chairmanship of the board. His son now is president.