It’s History Trivia Tuesday! Last week we visited Jacksonville’s historic Presbyterian Church so this week we’re inviting you to join us on an imaginary visit to the home of the man who built it—David Linn.      

Linn was one of Jacksonville’s most prolific early builders. Born in Guernsey County, Ohio, in 1826, he was a self-supporting carpenter and cabinet-maker at age 14 and an active contractor and builder by 25.  Arriving in Jacksonville in the spring of 1852, Linn was instrumental in transforming the mining camp of Table Rock into the town of Jacksonville. During his active career, he built a fort, public and commercial buildings, 2 churches, houses, staircases, furniture, mining equipment, and coffins. Linn also served as Jackson County Treasurer for 14 years; was a member of the Jacksonville City Council and served as Mayor; and was on the school board. 

Around 1866, Linn constructed a 1-story house at the corner of West F Street, across North Oregon Street from the home of his father-in-law, Squire William Hoffman. It’s possible that Hoffman gave the land to Linn or his wife, Ann Sophia, as a wedding present. Linn added a second story to the family home in 1881. In its May 14th edition, the Oregon Sentinel reported, “David Linn has just finished adding an upper story to his residence. The improvement sets off the structure handsomely.” It also created the elegant Italianate style home featured in an 1883 West Shore Magazine, a style that had become popular in the U.S. prior to the Civil War.

Linn died in 1912.  The house outlasted him by 42 years, when it was razed to make way for contemporary housing.