Harrison, William, Journalist

This item is active and ready to use

Watercolour portrait by John Sowden of William Harrison, Journalist.

From John Sowden's notebooks:

"Nearly the whole of his working life was directed to the “Bradford Observer”. For 40 years he was chief of the editorial staff of the “Bradford Observer” (later the Yorkshire Observer) and for seven years a member of the firm of proprietors (Messrs Byles & Sons Ltd). He was a native of Bradford and was apprenticed to the firm when 13 years old. He made the Mechanics’ Institute his university. He distinguished himself at the classes and he had the credit of being the first member who gained honours at the Society of Arts examinations and in shorthand. After completing his apprenticeship and working as a compositor in 1863 Mr Harrison was invited to represent in Bradford the “Leeds Mercury” which was then the only morning paper published between Sheffield and Newcastle.
In 1866 he went to Gloucestershire and afterwards returned to Bradford when he was offered and accepted an engagement with the “Observer”. This paper was converted from a weekly to a daily newspaper. Mr Harrison had a large share in the actual work of production. He remained editor of the paper until August 1908, when he retired from active work his connection with the observer from first to last having extended over 56 years.
In 1902 on attaining his jubilee as a newspaperman Mr Harrison was presented by more than forty of his colleagues with an illuminated address. He was a genial companion and a good talker, a great lover of music and was long associated with the Bradford Musical Union.
Mr Harrison married in 1861 Miss Bradley of Huddersfield and had nine children, seven of whom survive. He died in May 1915, at the age of 76."

Year

1906

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-35