Asa Packer - Blogger

Many people claim that Dave Winer was the first blogger, however, that honor actually belongs to none other than Asa Packer, founder of my Alma Mater, Lehigh University.

He has a Blogger profile, and this archival image pretty much sums it up. Asa Packer was ahead of his time in many ways. He chronicled his ascent to fortune in a hand written 'blog' that he always kept with him. People would often 'comment' on his goings on in the papers or by sending him letters. And being a railroad man, he knew a thing or two about trackbacks.

If he ever pinged anyone there is no record, but many people to this day think of Asa as 'very pingable.'

Asa Packer was deeply interested in politics, as are many bloggers today, though he was a member of the House of Representatives. You have never had that pleasure, have you? Didn't think so.

Asa, not only do you have a place in my heart, you have a place on my blogroll.