The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Linn, William Alexander

LINN, William Alexander, American journalist: b. Sussex, N. J., 4 Sept. 1843. He was graduated at Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass., in 1864, at Yale in 1868, and in 1883 was admitted to the New York bar. From 1868 to 1891 he was engaged in newspaper work, during part of that time being on the staff of the New York Tribune, and was managing editor of the Evening Post, 1891-1900, resigning to devote himself to literary work. He has been president of the Hackensack Mutual Building and Loan Association from its organization in 1887 and was president of the People's National Bank of Hackensack, N. J., from its organization in 1903 to 1916; was president of the First National Bank of Ridgefield Park, N. J., from its organization in 1910 to 1913; elected county collector of Bergen County, N. J., 3 Jan. 1916. Was a member of the New Jersey Commission of 1899 which secured the legislation under which the Palisades Interstate Park Commission, which has saved the Palisades front from destruction, was appointed, and was a member of the latter commission from its organization to 1913. He has published ‘The Story of the Mormons’ (1902); ‘Horace Greeley’ (1903); and ‘Rob and His Gun’ (1902). He is a member of the National Geographic Society, the New Jersey Historical Society, Bergen County Historical Society, and trustee of the Johnson Public Library of Hackensack.