American newspaper editor. He attended the College of Emporia and University of Kansas and in 1892 started work at the Kansas City Star as an editorial writer. William Allen White (February 10, 1868 - January 29, 1944) was a renowned American newspaper editor, politician, author, and leader of the Progressive movement. Between 1896 and his death, White became the iconic spokesman for middle America.Early life--Born in Emporia, Kansas, White 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 various books. He attended the College of Emporia and the University of Kansas, and in 1892 started work at The Kansas City Star as an editorial writer............