Joseph was the son of Andrew and Barbara (Leathers) Linn Jr. His siblings were Martha, Elizabeth, Mary W., Margaret M., William T., John W., Sarah Jane, James Polk, Nancy W., Andrew III, Susanna A., Benjamin Franklin (aka Frank Benjamin) and Robert Wright Linn.

He married Jane H. Damon Sept. 13, 1860. Their children were Olive J., Leroy E., Lura E., Joseph Grant, Lillie B., Sherman Andrew, Charles Wshington, Edward, Plilitas and Marshall Linn.

Obit from Chatsworth Plaindealer, Chatsworth, Livingston, Illinois; April 22, 1910.

From the Chatsworth Plaindealer
Chatsworth,Livingston,Illinois

JOSEPH H. LINN
APRIL 22, 1910

The death of Joseph H. Linn, for many years on of the leading farmers of Charlotte township, occurred on Monday (April 18) shortly after noon, at his late home, 271 Rosewood avenue, Kankakee. Mr. Linn had been in poor health for several years and although he had been confined to his bed but a short time, his death was cause by acute Bright's disease.
Funeral services were held at the residence and the remains were brought to this city on Wednesday afternoon, interment being at the Chatsworth cemetery.
Joseph H. Linn was born at Beach Creek, Pennsylvania, on September 7, 1835. He came to Kendall county, Illinois, with his parents when a young man, and was there married to Jane Damon. Mr. and Mrs. Linn came to this locality and for many years resided on the farm in Charlotte township whee Kerber Brothers now live. sixteen years ago he moved to Kankakee, where he had since resided. Mrs. Linn preceded him in death about six years ago, as did also one son, Grant, husband of Mrs. Harriet Linn, of this city. the surviving children are : Sherman A., of Independence, Iowa; Charles W., of Baxter Springs, Mo.; P.S. Linn, of Chicago; Lura and Olive of Kankakee.
Among those who attended the burial were the following: the sons and daughters of deceased; William Linn and Mrs. Mary Wascho, of Yorkville, Ill.; Frank Linn, of Roberts; Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Hare, Mrs. John Linn, Mrs. F. Carpenter, Mrs. A. Opperman, Mr. and Mrs. H. Davis, of Piper City.