When was Charles Alderton born?

Charles Alderton was born June 21, 1857, in Brooklyn, N.Y., and died May 29, 1941, in Waco, Texas, at 83. Alderton is known as the inventor of the recipe for Dr Pepper.

Working as a pharmacist, Alderton initially experimented with ingredients in hopes of boosting soda sales in the drug store. Originally known as "Doc Alderton's Drink" and "The Waco," the soda boasted 23 ingredients and was first sold December 1, 1885. The drink was later named "Dr Pepper" by Alderton's partner, Wade Morrison. Deciding he wasn't interested in manufacturing, Alderton later sold his rights to Morrison. As of 2014, Dr Pepper was the oldest soft drink being manufactured, predating Coca-Cola by a year.