| William Livingston Alden | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 9, 1837[1] Williamstown, Massachusetts |
| Died | January 14, 1908 (aged 70)[1] |
| Parents | Joseph Alden |
William Livingston Alden (1837–1908) was a prominent American journalist, author, humorist, canoe enthusiast, and diplomat.
He was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts on October 9, 1837. He attended Lafayette College; he transferred to Jefferson College after his father, Joseph Alden, was elected president.[2]
He graduated from Jefferson in 1858 and read law in New York City with William M. Evarts, joining the bar in 1860.[3] He practiced law until 1866.[3][4] He then became a journalist, writing for the Scribner’s Monthly, The Atlantic, New York World and Daily Graphic.[1][3] He later worked on the editorial staff of the New York Times and produced a weekly column called ""Minor Topics."[5] He also wrote humor pieces and juvenile fiction.[6]
He is also credited with bringing the sport of canoeing to the United States.[7][6] He founded the New York Canoe Club in 1871, which was the first canoeing organization in America.[8] He was a founding member of the American Canoe Association and served as the first Commodore.[9]
He was appointed Consul General in Rome by President Grover Cleveland in 1885, a position he held until 1890.[6] He then lived in Paris, writing for the New York Herald, and later living and writing in London.[1] He died in 1908.[6]