William F. Harrity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Chair of theDemocratic National Committee | |
| In office 1892–1896 | |
| Preceded by | Calvin Brice |
| Succeeded by | James Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Francis Harrity (1850-10-19)October 19, 1850 Wilmington, Delaware, U.S. |
| Died | April 17, 1912(1912-04-17) (aged 61) Philadelphia,Philadelphia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | |
William Francis Harrity (October 19, 1850 – April 17, 1912) was an American politician and lawyer. Harrity is best known as chairperson of theDemocratic National Committee from 1892 to 1896. He also served asSecretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between 1891 through 1895.
William Francis Harrity was born inWilmington, Delaware, the son of Michael and Jane A. Harrity, natives ofCounty Donegal, Ireland. He began his education in public schools—graduating from Clarkson Taylor's academy and St. Mary's College.[1] In 1870, Harrity graduated at the top of his class atLa Salle College inPhiladelphia, 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 thebar exam and worked as a lawyer for others and himself until 1884.[2]
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 includingRobert 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.[2]
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 adelegate from Pennsylvania toDemocratic National Convention.
Harrity was married with four children.[1]
He died at his home inOverbrook, Philadelphia on April 17, 1912.[3]
| Party political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Chair of theDemocratic National Committee 1892–1896 | Succeeded by |
| International | |
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| National | |
