10/07/2026
William Allen White (February 10, 1868 – January 29, 1944) was an American newspaper editor, politician, author, and leader of the Progressive movement. Between 1896 and his death, White became a spokesman for middle America.
At a 1937 banquet held in his honor by the Kansas Editorial Association, he was called "the most loved and most distinguished member" of the Kansas press.
Early life
White was born in Emporia, Kansas and moved to El Dorado, Kansas, with his parents, Allen and Mary Ann Hatten White, where he spent the majority of his childhood. He loved animals and reading books.[2][3] He attended the College of Emporia and the University of Kansas, and in 1889 started work at The Kansas City Star as an editorial writer.
The Emporia Gazette
In 1895, White bought the Emporia Gazette for $3,000 and became its editor, remaining it for the rest of his life.
(Source: Wikipedia)
To learn more about William Allen White, join us Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 7pm in the Santa Fe room of the Marion City Library to hear a presentation by Beverley Olson Buller, "William Allen White and the K*K in Kansas".
This presentation is sponsored by Humanities Kansas and is open to the public. We look forward to seeing you!
