September 16, 1899
In the course of the football match between the reserves of the Wolverhampton Wanderers and Coventry City, on Saturday, Alderman Pollock, of Birmingham, presented Harper, the Wolves’ inside right, with the Royal Humane Society’s certificate in recognition of his bravery in saving the lives of two boys from drowning.
The incident occurred in Birmingham in May last, when Harper, fully dressed, dived into ten feet of water and rescued the boys.
Alderman Pollock, in making the presentation, said that was the first occasion on which he had presented such a testimonial to a footballer.
To his mind the chief characteristic of a footballer were perfect physical training, undaunted perseverance and endurance, determined resolution to overcome all obstacles, keen observation, and prompt action and right down British pluck.
Harper was accorded a hearty ovation when he received the well-merited testimonial.
(Liverpool Mercury: September 19, 1899)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 