Henry Mills Alden
Henry Mills Alden was an influential American editor and writer, born in 1836 in Mount Tabor, New York. A descendant of early American settlers, Alden pursued higher education at Williams College and later studied at Andover Theological Seminary, where he began his literary career by publishing articles in Atlantic Monthly. Although he did not become a minister, he contributed to local churches as a pastor. His career took a significant turn in 1862 when he joined Harper's Bazaar and later became an assistant editor for Harper's Weekly. By 1869, Alden was appointed editor of Harper's Magazine, a role he maintained until his death in 1919. Throughout his career, he wrote numerous essays, authored three books, and edited various volumes of American literature. Alden was recognized for his contributions to literature with two honorary doctorates from Williams College and was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, highlighting his lasting impact on American literary culture.
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Henry Mills Alden
- Born: November 3, 1836
- Birthplace: Mount Tabor, Vermont
- Died: October 7, 1919
Biography
Henry Mills Alden was born in Mount Tabor, New York, in 1836. He was a descendant of John and Priscilla Alden, two of the early settlers of the United States. He entered Williams College in 1853. After attending Williams College, Alden studied at Andover Theological Seminary. Although he did not enter the ministry, he frequently served as pastor at neighborhood churches. Henry Mills Alden’s literary career began with the publishing of two articles in Atlantic Monthly while he was still at the seminary. By 1861, Alden was teaching at a school for young girls in New York and writing occasional articles for The New York Times and the New York Evening Post. In 1862, Alden began his long association with Harper’s Bazaar magazine. He was originally commissioned to write a guidebook about the Central Railroad of New Jersey, but stayed on to become an assistant editor of Harper’s Weekly. In 1869, he was promoted to the position of editor at Harper’s Magazine, a position he held until his death in 1919. In addition to the many monthly essays he wrote for Harper’s Magazine, Alden wrote three books. He also edited several volumes of American literature and short stories, was a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and was the recipient of two honorary doctorates from Williams College (one in law and one in literature).