Francis Pharcellus Church

1839–1906 (age 67)

Newspaper Editor

Biography

Francis Pharcellus Church spent his career as an editor whose writing combined lofty ideals with a firm sense of journalistic responsibility, most famously penning the enduring reply β€œYes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”

He was admired for his integrity and diligence, shaping editorial standards that encouraged both truthfulness and tenderness in reporting.