John R. McLean

John Roll McLean (September 17, 1848 – June 9, 1916) was an American businessman and politician who was the owner and publisher of The Washington Post and The Cincinnati Enquirer, and part owner of two professional baseball teams. He is the namesake of McLean, Virginia.

Early life and family McLean was born in Cincinnati on September 17, 1848, to Mary and Washington McLean.

Career After graduation from Heidelberg University, McLean began working at his father's newspaper, The Cincinnati Enquirer, eventually becoming editor. He acquired his father's interest in the paper in 1873.

By the 1880s, McLean was a prominent businessperson who owned a wide variety of newspaper, real estate, and transportation holdings. In 1895, McLean purchased the New York Morning Journal, but within six months, he sold the paper to William Randolph Hearst.

At the 1896 Democratic Nation Convention in Chicago, McLean received fifty-four votes on the first ballot for the U.S. Presidential nomination, and advanced to the fourth round, receiving 207 total votes.

Death and legacy McLean died on June 9, 1916, aged 67.