The root of it is Lin in Minhou, Fujian. In the old society, Lin was a noble family. The branch from Lin to Lin Xiaoyao has declined and become a civilian. However, Lin Xiaoyao was diligent and was selected as a scholar during Guangxu period. He worked as a local official in Haining, Shimen (renamed Chongde County in the Republic of China and now merged into Tongxiang County) and Renhe, Zhejiang, but he can accept western political and legal thoughts, which has surpassed the "Chinese style and western use" of his peers. Not only that, he also paid attention to let future generations receive new education, regardless of gender, and sent many sons and nephews to study in Japan. His son, Lin and Lin Juemin are all famous revolutionary youths.
His granddaughter Lin (Lin's father) was also a famous figure in modern China.