William Allen White

William Allen White (1868–1944) was an American newspaper editor, political commentator, and author based in Emporia, Kansas. He became a leading voice in Midwestern journalism as the longtime editor of the *Emporia Gazette*. White gained national attention in 1896 for his editorial “What’s the Matter with Kansas?”, a widely reprinted critique of Populist politics that helped establish his reputation beyond Kansas. Through his editorials and public commentary, he influenced political debate in the early twentieth century while remaining closely identified with Emporia and his newspaper. White also wrote books and essays, combining reporting with civic-minded advocacy.