He was raised by his older half-brother, Henry Dodge and began studying medicine in Louisville.

[1] Linn was admitted to practice as a medical doctor and subsequently relocated to Ste.

Early in his career he earned recognition for his major role in combating two cholera epidemics.

In 1833 Linn was elected to the United States Senate as a Jacksonian, filling the vacancy created by the death of Alexander Buckner.

[4] He was the uncle of William Pope McArthur, a United States Navy officer who was notable for his surveys of the Pacific Coast.