HistoricSiteMarkers
Reconstruction & Gilded Age

John and Virginia Linney House

Refugio, Refugio County, Texas

Marker Inscription

John Filmore Linney (1853-1924) and his wife Virginia (Lum) Linney (1854-1946), were both members of pioneer Texas families. His father, Col. John Linney had this house built for the couple in 1876, just two years after their marriage. John F. and Virginia Linney, who reared eight children in this house, continued to reside in it until their deaths. Relocated in 1948 from its original location in the southeast part of town to a lot on Oak Street, it was moved to this site in 1986. Now a part of the county museum, it serves as a reminder of early south Texas vernacular architecture. (1993)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

John Filmore Linney and his wife Virginia, both from pioneer Texas families, received this house as a gift from his father, Col. John Linney, in 1876, two years into their marriage. They raised eight children here and lived in it until their deaths. Twice relocated — in 1948 and again in 1986 — the house now stands as part of the county museum.

Why it matters

Modest vernacular homes like this one preserve the everyday texture of early South Texas settlement, the kind of building usually lost rather than saved.

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Related people

  • · John Filmore Linney
  • · Virginia Linney

Themes & tags

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