Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Harper, William (1806-1857)
HARPER, WILLIAM (1806–1857), minor poet and biographer, was born at Manchester in 1806. He was originally intended for the ministry, but devoted himself to commercial pursuits, engaging also in the public work of the local conservative association, and in the organisation of Sunday schools. For many years he contributed verses to the 'Manchester Courier,' writing also the weekly trade article in the same paper, and in 1840 he published his first volume, 'The Genius and other Poems.' A second collection was entitled 'Cain and Abel; a Dramatic Poem, and minor Pieces,' Manchester, 1844, 8vo. His poems are chiefly of a religious nature, marked by a refined style, and containing good and even lofty lines. Some of his pieces are given in the 'Festive Wreath,' 1842, and the 'Manchester Keepsake,' 1844. He wrote also a 'Memoir of Benjamin Braidley' (Manchester, 1845, 12mo), who was a boroughreeve of Manchester. Harper died at Lower Broughton, Manchester, on 25 Jan. 1857, aged 50.
[Procter's Lit. Reminiscences, 1860, p. 121; Manchester Quarterly, art. by G. Milner, July 1889 ; Evans's Lane. Authors, 1850, p. 113.]