William Henry Linder

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

William Henry LINDER, a highly esteemed member of the business, political, and social life of Morristown, New Jersey, has attained his present enviable position through unquestioned merit, constant application to the interest of the Western Union Telegraph Company, which he so ably represents, and to the laudable determination to succeed in his line of endeavor. The life of such a man , however unpretentious and quiet, is the epitome of what true Democracy stands for in the United States, and proof positive that there is there is really no royal road to achievement except through endeavor rightly and intelligently directed.

Mr. LINDER is of German extraction, and has in him all of the essential qualities that go toward the making of a splendid German subject and an American citizen. His grandfather, John Justus LINDER, was born in Frankfort, Germany, coming to this country while yet a young man, and locating in New York. After reaching the United States he became thoroughly imbued with the ways and independence of the Americans and reared his children as though he was "to the manner born." He became a merchant and met with a just reward, becoming known for his strict honesty in all things; he exercised his right of franchise, after becoming naturalized, for the benefit of the Republican party, and was a staunch member and generous supporter of the Presbyterian church. Mr. R. H. LINDER, the father of Mr. LINDER, was born in New York City; his mother, Mrs. Mary (NAAS) LINDER, was born in Baltimore. Mr. LINDER, Senior, was educated in the public schools in New York, and entered business when quite young. He married, in 1860, an estimable lady from Baltimore. Seven children, five stalwart sons and two daughters, all of whom were early taught the highest principles of citizenship and allegiance to the flag. At the present time Mr. LINDER, Senior, is a member of the board of education in Oxford township, Warren county, New Jersey.

William H. LINDER was born in New York City, in 1868, and received his preliminary education in the public schools, afterward attending the grammar school. Later he went to a business college, where he learned telegraphy and was fitted to accept the positions that have since been his for the taking. He entered the business world at the age of fourteen, becoming a telegraph messenger boy at that time. When he was fifteen he had mastered the intricacies of telegraphy to such an extent that he was promoted to a key and became an operator, one of the best in the office. So devoted was he to the business and so thorough were his methods that he was made manager for both the Western Union Telegraph and Postal Telegraph companies of New York and the suburban towns when he was but sixteen years of age, a remarkable and phenomenally rapid rise for one so young, but large corporations are quick to know and appreciate brains, loyalty, and energy in their employees. To express its appreciation of Mr. LINDER’s untiring efforts in behalf of the company, and his constant endeavor to look after its best interests and promote its welfare, the management appointed him to the responsible position of the Western Union Telegraph Company in Morristown in 1904, a position he has held with credit to himself, the satisfaction of the public, and approval of the company. He was elected member of the board of Morristown aldermen for the year of 1912, and re-elected for 1913, and is now president of that dignified board, the first to occupy the position. That he has the entire confidence of his fellow citizens is attested by this fact. He is a member of the F. and A. M., and has held all offices up to that of worshipful master. With his family he attends the Presbyterian church, working for it and aiding it in every possible manner.

He married, 1898, at Belvidere, New Jersey, Gertrude Belle KENNEY, born 1879, at Scranton Pennsylvania, daughter of an old New England family, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. KENNEY, making their home in Oxford township, New Jersey, where he is on the board of education. Mr. and Mrs. LINDER have made themselves a comfortable, bright home in Morristown. They are the parents of two children:

Mildred Kenney and
Robert William,

both of whom are pupils in the Morristown High School.

This biography was transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003).