Lin Mingqing

Lin Mingqing was born in November 1877 in Linjia Dawan, Huilong Town, Huanggang, Hubei Province, and passed away in 1962. His hometown was located northeast of Huanggang city, originally called Baiyangshan Village, which was renamed Linjia Dawan as the number of families with the surname Lin increased. Lin Mingqing was the fourth son in his family, with five brothers, and he was the father of the renowned labor movement leader Lin Yunan and the younger brother of Lin Xiefu.

In his childhood, Lin Mingqing received private schooling. He once worked as a bookkeeper on a steamboat in Hankou. Additionally, he operated a cloth factory in his hometown. His wife, Mrs. Chen, was known for her virtue and diligence, and she was skilled in weaving. Lin Mingqing had six children, with his eldest son, Lin Biao, born on December 5, 1907.

The family’s economic situation was relatively modest, with no significant inheritance. Lin Mingqing learned to weave, and during times of hardship, his family improved their livelihood by purchasing a weaving machine and developing a family industry. From a young age, Lin Biao helped with household chores and displayed a strong desire to learn and a competitive spirit. He began studying in private schools at age nine. Besides helping with domestic work, he loved studying and often read by lamplight at night.

Lin Mingqing once encouraged Lin Biao to pursue a career in teaching, but Lin Biao aspired to join the military, dreaming of adopting the name "Bing" (soldier). In his early years, Lin Biao enjoyed playing war games and showed a fierce competitive urge. In October 1937, during the Second Sino-Japanese War, Lin Biao led troops that defeated the Japanese Bandai Brigade at Pingxingguan, which brought him widespread fame. News of this victory quickly spread back to his hometown, attracting significant attention and congratulations from relatives and friends. However, Lin Mingqing sensed potential danger, fearing Japanese retaliation, and decided to flee with his family to escape the conflict in the spring of 1938.

Lin Mingqing’s life reflects the growth trajectory of an ordinary peasant boy from Hubei, closely tied to Lin Biao’s early experiences. His story illustrates the importance of family support in personal development and highlights how a family’s circumstances can change amidst national upheaval and wartime.