From History of Vernon County, Missouri. 1887, p. 778.

Among all classes and under every condition one of the things most to be desired by a man is the respect and esteem of those among whom ‘he dwells and mingles day after day. Not infrequently some are met with who sincerely deserve these qualities, as in the present instance. John G. Linn enjoys to an unlimited extent the unbounded confidence of all with whom he is acquainted; and while so popular personally he is none the less deserving of respect as an agriculturist, for success is written on all his operations. So intimately is he identified with the affairs of this township that an outline in brief of his life seems almost necessary. He came originally from Barren county, Ky., where his birth occurred March 19, 1830, one of six children in the family of his parents’, John and Nancy Linn, née DePoyster, the former a farmer by occupation and a native of North Carolina, and his wife formerly from South Carolina. At an early day the family removed to Kentucky, where their children grew to maturity. There were two daughters and three sons besides John G., named James M., Elizabeth (who married a Mr. Mayfield, of Cooper County), William I., Hayden W. and Isabel, wife of James McKiIl. The father became one of the first settlers in this section of Missouri, and as mentioned elsewhere located in what now constitutes Coal township, Vernon county, in November, 1848. There he lived until his widely mourned death February 6, 1873. For 25 years he was a resident of the county, and both as a citizen and neighbor was held in the highest esteem. His garner was always open to the needy and his house was a shelter to the warfaring man from the storms and tempests of life. As a Christian his character stands unblemished and unimpeachable. His widow followed him to the grave September 22, 1878. Like his brothers John O. was raised a farmer and has continued to follow it until the present, except during the war, when he served as a soldier for a number of years. At first he was with Col. Hunter,, but afterwards entered the 8th Missouri infantry and participated in the battles of Drvwood, Pea Ridge, Cane Hill, and Helena, on July 4, 1863, where he was captured, subsequently being held a prisoner until he close of the war, confined first at Alton, Ill., and then at Ft. Delaware, afterwards being sent to Richmond, Va., for exchange; the war closing about this time he saw no more active service. Mr. Linn’s military experience furnishes a striking example of bravery and fearless courage. Though differing from some in his opinions during those dark days, those opposed to him could not hut admire the firmness with which he upheld and defended what he believed to be right, and always has he been kindly treated by these men. In 1854 he was marred to Miss Elizabeth Arnott, of Fort Scott, Kas., who died October 15, 1860, leaving two children: Nevada, wife of C. C. Thompson, and Leona, wife of Charles Osman. In 1871 Mr. L. married Miss Sarah Harrison, a native of Morgan County, Mo., and by this union there are six children: Walter C., Johnnie C., Mary Belle, Sterling P., Forrest and Roy Holmes. Mr. Linn owns 440 acres of land, well improved, and thoroughly cultivated. He is one of the best men in Harrison Township, and among Vernon’s representative citizens.

Left: Grave of John G. Linn 1830 - 1911, McKill Cemetery, Bronaugh, MO

Left: "Mrs Linn" from a Bronaugh Methodist Church Group photo. We assume this is Sarah Harrison Linn.

Right: grave of John Linn Sr., 1798 - 1873, McKill Cemetery. (father of J. G. Linn above)