William was the second son of Marmaduke Tomlin Parkin and his wife Margaret Harrison nee Herron. They had married in Houghton-le-Spring in 1876. At the time of William's birth, 13th December 1881, they were innkeepers at Cross House Inn, Gillas Lane, Houghton-le-Spring. The family consisted of Christopher (1878) Jane (1880) Duke (1884) and Alice (1886).
William was baptised and educated in Houghton le Spring. In 1901 Marmaduke was at Red Rose Farm, Chester-le-Street with his wife Margaret and children Jane, (Dressmaker) Duke (Milk Boy) and Alice.
William had enlisted into the Imperial Yeomanry 14th February 1901. He was described as being 5 feet 11 inches tall, with fresh complexion, brown eyes and brown hair. He served in South Africa from 6th March 1901 to 29th July 1902. He suffered from enteric fever. By 1902 when William left the Imperial Yeomanry Marmaduke had moved to Upperhouses Farm Lanchester.
William and Duke in May 1908, sailed from Liverpool to Quebec on the "Victorian." They were both labourers.
In 1911 Marmaduke a widower and Plate Layer is living at Victoria Terrace Lanchester with his daughter Alice.
William married Grace Marion and they lived at 28 Pelletier Avenue, Norwood, Winnipeg, Manitoba. He enlisted 19th June 1915, leaving his job as a chauffeur. William sailed for Liverpool on the SS Olympic 2nd April 1916 and arrived at Liverpool 11th April 1916, two months before his brother Duke.
William was killed in action 25th October eleven days after his brother Duke.
His medals were sent to his wife.
Marmaduke travelled to Canada in 1935 perhaps to see William's widow and his grandchildren, returned and died at Riverdale House, 3 Front Street Lanchester 6th April 1936 leaving assets of £1099 13s 8d.
William Harrison is remembered at Lanchester on L62.01
