William Francis

Background

William Francis Harrity is the son of Michael and Jane A. Harrity, natives of County Donegal, Ireland.

Education

In 1870, Harrity graduated at the top of his class at Louisiana Salle College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania earning a law degree. He completed one year as a tutor of Latin and mathematics at Louisiana Salle while gaining his master of arts degree.

Career

Harrity is best known as chairperson of the Democratic National Committee from 1892 to 1896. He also served as Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between 1891 through 1895. He began his education in public schools—graduating from Clarkson Taylor"s academy and Saint Mary"s College.

On 27 December 1873, Harrity completed the bar exam and worked as a lawyer for others and himself until 1884.

By 1882, Harrity had established himself and his law practice at 608 Chestnut Saint 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 East. 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 to 1889 before he retired his post to become chief executive, and President of the Equitable Trust Company, 624 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia." Receives Deposits, Makes Loans, Executes Trusts, Insures Titles, Becomes Surety". Capital $ 1,000,000 in 1890.

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 from Pennsylvania to Democratic National Convention.

Achievements

• 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.

Connections

partnership:

James M. Beck