George Linn, born on July 2, 1884 in Greenville, Ohio, was the son of a publisher and job printer. Growing up in a family with a background in the publishing industry, Linn developed a love for print media from a young age. His upbringing in Greenville instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for entrepreneurship.
As a young man, Linn decided to pursue a career in stamp collecting. He started out as a small-town stamp dealer, building a reputation for himself within the philatelic community. It was during this time that he saw an opportunity to merge his love for stamps with his fascination for publishing.
In a bold move, Linn ventured into the world of publishing by creating his first stamp collecting publication, The Columbian. Despite its short lifespan of just one issue, this experience laid the foundation for Linn's future endeavors in the industry.
In 1928, George Linn founded Linn's Stamp News, a publication that would become a staple in the stamp collecting world. With a keen eye for business and a genuine passion for stamps, Linn turned his publication into one of the most influential in the field. Over the course of more than 100 years, Linn's Stamp News has remained in print and adapted to the digital age with an online presence.
George Linn's contributions to the stamp collecting community are significant and enduring. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the hobby have left a lasting impact on collectors around the world. One of his most notable achievements was creating the first pre-printed cacheted first day cover, commemorating the death of President Warren G. Harding.
Outside of his professional endeavors, George Linn was known for his strong familial ties and his commitment to his community. His upbringing in Greenville, Ohio shaped his values and instilled in him a sense of responsibility to give back to those around him.
George Linn's life story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Through his work in the stamp collecting world, he not only built a successful business but also left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire collectors to this day.