Biographies

William H. Harper

Marshaled 43 Toronto Orange Parades

 

William Harper was born in Toronto and joined Magherafelt Purple Star L.O.L.864 as a young man. Harper served as the Master of that lodge in 1906 and later as District Master of the Toronto Western District Lodge. “King Billy” as he was known to Toronto Orangemen led the Annual Parade dressed in frock coat, top hat, wearing white gloves and on a white horse, during the years 1900 to 1942 inclusive. Despite ill-health he walked portions of the 1943 parade to keep his record of participating in 60 consecutive years intact. For his final twelve years as County Marshal he had used a saddle-cloth, purchased by friends which was similar in style and colour to that used at the Battle of the Boyne by William III.

 

William Harper served at one time on the Toronto Board of Education and was a Past-President of the Ward 5 Conservative Association. Later in life he was employed as an inspector by the L.C.B.O. He was a member of King Solomon R.B.P.344 and was also active with Harmony and later Ulster Masonic Lodges.

 

William “King Billy” Harper passed away on September the 18^th, 1943 and is buried in Toronto’s St. James Cemetery.

 

 

Sources:  Toronto Star, Sept.20^th/1943

                Minute Book of Magherafelt Purple Start LOL 864, September/1943

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