Topic: William Allen White

William Allen White (February 10, 1868 – January 29, 1944) was a renowned American newspaper editor, politician, and author. Between World War I and World War II White became the iconic middle American spokesman for thousands throughout the United States.

Born in Emporia, Kansas, White moved to El Dorado with his parents, Allen and Mary Ann Hatten White, where he spent the majority of his childhood. He attended the College of Emporia and University of Kansas and in 1892 started work at The Kansas City Star as an editorial writer.

White purchased his hometown newspaper, the Emporia Gazette for $3,000 in 1895. He rocketed to national fame and influence in the Republican Party with an August 16, 1896, editorial entitled "What's the Matter With Kansas?" The paper is still run by the descendants of White.