Early life and career
William Francis Harrity was born in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of Michael and Jane A. Harrity, natives of County Donegal, Ireland. He began his education in public schools—graduating from Clarkson Taylor's academy and St. Mary's College. In 1870, Harrity graduated at the top of his class at La Salle University, La Salle College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earning a law degree. He completed one year as a tutor of Latin and mathematics at La Salle while gaining his master of arts degree. On December 27, 1873, Harrity completed the bar exam and worked as a lawyer for others and himself until 1884.Political career
By 1882, Harrity had established himself and his law practice at 608 Chestnut St. in the Philadelphia community.and became the chairman of the City of Philadelphia's Democratic Party executive committee. His leadership attributed to the many Democratic candidates being elected at the local and state level including Robert E. Pattison as Pennsylvania Governor in 1883. His success led to an appointment a Pennsylvania delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1884 and as Postmaster General for Philadelphia between 1885 and 1889 before he retired his post to become chief executive, and president of the Equitable Trust Company, 624 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia. In 1891, Robert E. Pattison won a second term as Pennsylvania Governor, a position he lost in 1887. Upon reelection, Pattison appointed Harrity as his Secretary of State (or Secretary of the Commonwealth Capita of Pennsylvania). In 1896, Harrity once again served as a Delegate (American politics), delegate from Pennsylvania to Democratic National Convention.Personal life
Harrity was married with four children. He died at his home in Overbrook, Philadelphia on April 17, 1912.Honors
* The William F. Harrity School, a public elementary school in Philadelphia, in named in his honor. * In 1891, James M. Beck entered the law office and formed a partnership with William F. Harrity; Beck would later become the United States Solicitor General.References
* O'Grady, Joseph P., ''Irish-Americans and Anglo-American Relations, 1880–1888''External links
* {{DEFAULTSORT:Harrity, William F. 1850 births 1912 deaths Politicians from Wilmington, Delaware La Salle University alumni Politicians from Philadelphia Secretaries of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Democratic National Committee chairs Pennsylvania Democrats American people of Irish descent 19th-century American politicians