William was born on 28th February 1893. Along with his brother John he was admitted to Leeds Grammar School on 25th August 1856. William left in 1859 and was admitted as a solicitor in 1866. He became Public Prosecutor for Leeds (1874-1909) and vice-consul for the USA.
As a Major in 2nd West Yorkshire Volunteers, he was awarded the Volunteer Officers' Decoration. This badge was institued in 1892 to reward "long and meritorious service of Officers in the Volunteer Forces in Great Britain". The badge awarded to Major Ward was hallmarked 1892 which may mean that he was one of the first recipients of the award.


Last address 36 Hyde Terrace, Leeds. He died on 2nd January 1910 and is buried in Lawnswood Cemetery on the outskirts of Leeds.

details of the Volunteers Officers' Decoration