Village Founder & Attica Resident

Lived: (November 9, 1795-September 20, 1874)

Biography

Alden was born in Haverhill, New Hamphire

Alden arrived in Attica on July 21, 1821 where he and his wife Achsa Floyd (Smith) Stevens purchased a 40 acre plot of land of which 4 where cleared. Fall of that year they began work on a 28ft x 22ft house that was completed in the spring of 1822. Alden became a prominent educator and civic leader serving as Sheriff of Genesee County in 1830 and later Judge of the Court of Common Pleas. He was also a major railroad promoter and worked tirelessly to obtain a charter for rail between Buffalo and Attica.

In 1837 he served as Sargeant-at-Arms of the NYS Assembly where he introduced many bills regarding the railroad system in NYS. He also obtained a charter for the Bank of Attica. In 1841 he filled the office of Superintendent of Wyoming County Schools and for 12 years he was President of the old Attica Collegiate Institute. in 1842 the first Locomotive arrive in the Village of Attica and his dream of connecting Albany and Buffalo through Attica was fulfilled in 1843. In 1857 Alden was appointed enumerator of the American Indian population in the State of Kansas by President James Buchanan.

Alden died 1874 and after the death of his widow 8 years later their home, which was at the current day 134 Main Street, was demolished but one room was spared and was moved to the rear of the property closer to the railroad. Today the preserved wing the house acts of the entrance to the Attica Historical Museum. He lived to the age of 78 and is buried in Forest Hill Cemetery.