Timothy Alden was born in Yarmouth, Massachusetts, in 1771. He graduated from Harvard in 1794 with his doctorate in Classical and Oriental Languages with high ranks. In 1799 Alden moved to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he was installed as a pastor at the South Congregational Church. Inadequate compensation required Alden to supplement his income by teaching, and later, in 1805, he resigned as pastor to teach at various girls' schools. A trip west brought him to western Pennsylvania.
In 1815, in an advertisement in the Crawford Messenger dated July 18, Alden announced the establishment of Alleghany College, as it was then spelled. A year later, on July 4, 1816, the first freshman class entered the College. At first, without a building for instruction or instructors, Alden taught solely from his home. The early years were truly a test of both his perseverance and his commitment to higher education. The College was in desperate need of funds, and Alden had difficulty finding adequate financial support. In addition, it took the Commonwealth almost two years to issue a charter for Alleghany College (March 24, 1817).
Beset by so many difficulties, Alden took solace in the remarkable treasures contained in the College's library, which was moved to the upper floor of Bentley Hall upon the completion of that building. These treasures today constitute the heart of the College's Special Collections.
Facing serious financial problems and a lack of students, Alden resigned his presidency on August 2, 1831. During his tenure, however, he had established the strong tradition of academic excellence that continues at Allegheny College today.
Alden died outside of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1839. He is buried in the Greendale Cemetery in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
