William F. Yardley was born to an Irish mother and a black father in Tennessee and attended a school for colored children. He passed the bar exam and served on Knoxville's Board of Aldermen. Yardley transitioned to journalism by founding Knoxville's first black newspaper, the Knoxville Examiner, and later the Bulletin. He also served as a justice of the peace and ran for governor, advocating for civil rights and labor law reform. Yardley's legal career included arguing against exploitative practices in the criminal justice system and defending individuals in high-profile cases.

William F. Yardley's political identity is marked by a commitment to racial equality and labor reform, juxtaposed with his advocacy against certain criminal justice practices. His rhetorical style, honed through his work as a newspaper publisher, consistently spotlighted the struggles of the African American community. Yardley's legislative record reveals an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His defense of Maurice Mays during the Knoxville Riot of 1919 underscores a willingness to challenge racial norms, even amid significant societal pressure.