Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

---

Fleet, Thomas 1685-

Printer; born in England, Sept. 8, 1685; became a printer in Bristol, England, but emigrated to Boston, Mass., in 1712, where he established a printing-office. He married Elizabeth Goose, June 8, 1715. In 1719 he conceived the idea of publishing the songs which his mother-in-law had been singing to his infant son. The book was issued under the title of Songs for the nursery; Or, mother Goose's Melodies for children. Printed by T. Fleet, at his printing-house, pudding Lane, 1719. Price, two coppers. In connection with his printing-office he established the Weekly rehearsal, which was afterwards changed in title to Boston evening post. He continued as proprietor and editor of this paper until his death, July 21, 1758.