LINN, Charles

LINN, Charles (1866-1911), Genoese sailor who was well-known up and down the coast, was reported missing and feared drowned from his 12-foot skiff during a northwest gale while he was en route to the Gussie M in the Santa Barbara harbor. Captain Vasquez reported him missing on December 19, 1911. Linn was to have slept aboard Gussie M and kept her lights burning, but such was not the case. He had been in the area for about 25 years at the time of his disappearance, and had previously worked aboard Star of Freedom under Captain Thompson, and also for the Larcos. The Morning Press of December 27, 1911 reported the discovery of Linn's body in the offshore kelp beds. Cause of death was accidental drowning. He was 45 years old at the time of his death. Linn is buried in Santa Barbara Cemetery.

December 19, 1911 [SBMP]: “That Charles Linn, a Genoese sailor well-known in the shipping circles up and down the coast, was drowned in the channel is the belief of his captain, Rosaline Vasquez of the Gussie M... The Gussie M today will cruise about the channel in hope of finding the skiff, and thereby some definite trace of the missing man...”

December 26, 1912 [SBI]: “After being in the water almost 10 days, the body of Charles Linn who was in the employ of Colice Vasquez, was found floating far out beyond the kelp this morning by some Italian fishermen. Saturday night, December 18, Linn left the wharf in a small boat while there was a stiff breeze blowing, to board the Gussie M launch, which he was taking care of for Vasquez. On Monday afternoon Vasquez began to make inquiries for Linn, saying that there had been no light on the Gussie M the night before. Further investigation failed to reveal anything concerning Linn’s whereabouts and it was not until 10 o’clock this morning that it was known whether he was drowned or had left without notice.”

December 27, 1911 [SBMP]: “The story of the probable drowning of Charles Linn, a Genoese sailor, published by the Press of December 19, furnished the authorities yesterday the means of identification on the bloated and disfigured body that was recovered by fishermen as they came through the kelp beds in the early morning hours. Linn was drowned on the night of Saturday, December 16th, and that he was missing was reported to the Press by his captain, Rosaline Vasquez, of the Gussie M. Linn had been ashore Saturday night. He was seen early in the evening by Captain Vasquez, and the last seen of him was about 11:30 Saturday night, when he was bound for the wharf on his way to the boat. The sailor was supposed to sleep aboard the Gussie M and it was his duty to keep the lights burning… Linn was about 45 years of age and had been in these parts for 25 years or more. He was formerly with Captain Thompson on the Star of Freedom, and was also employed formerly by the Larcos. Recently he returned from San Francisco, after having been engaged for several years as second mate on lumber schooners. He was an able seaman. He had no family as far as known…”