William Alexander

Pioneering journalist of Aberdeen Free Press

William Alexander was a politically motivated journalist, editor of the Aberdeen Free Press and a realist writer whose works vividly depict 19th century life in both urban and rural Aberdeenshire.

Born into an Aberdeen farming family, William worked as a ploughman until he lost a leg in a farming accident in his early 20s. Unable to continue with manual labour, he taught himself shorthand and turned to writing. His essay on farm servants, a topic he remained passionate about throughout his life, won him a prize and brought him to the attention of the editor of the Aberdeen Free Press. William joined the newspaper as a reporter and before long was effectively running the Aberdeen Free Press. He became editor in 1870.

A supporter of farming and tenant farmers, William’s articles vividly recorded many aspects of the farming changes that reshaped the 19th century. In 1869 the Aberdeen Free Press serialised his realist novel which was later published as Johnny Gibb of Gushetneuk. Heralded as a Doric masterpiece on country life in the North-East, the novel was hugely popular and has remained in print throughout the past century.