Biographies

Among the early settlers of Johnson County was a remarkable young Irishman named John Larkin. He had been a sailor from his boyhood days and had seen much of the world. Endowed with a bright mind and a clear, unerring judgment, this youth assimilated a fund of knowledge which other men obtained with much labor from books. He was one of those remarkable men, once common in Ireland, who could solve mathematical problems with the knowledge of figures, and who could give weights and measures without the use of scales or measuring rod. He could sing correctly without the use of notes and spoke the English language eloquently, if not correctly, without any knowledge of the rules of grammar or any acquaintance with books or schools. He knew the sea and sky and all the coasts and bays of the civilized world. He met men of all races in all climes and endured hardships that would not be believed possible in our day.

Born in County Down, Ireland, in 1820, Mr. Larkin took to the sea when that profession meant danger and superhuman labor. He came to America finally and settled in Peoria, Illinois, where he wooed and wed Mary Morgan, a young girl from his own county in Ireland. This event took place in 1859, after which the young couple moved to Kansas and preempted the claim in Johnson County which remained their home to the end.

Mr. Larkin was a remarkably shrewd business man, rough of speech, quick in action, honest in all his dealings. In the early days he formed a partnership with Philip Conboy in the cattle trade. They drove fat cattle on foot to Kansas City and were amongst the first to give impetus to the meat packing industry for which the latter city is now justly famous. On one occasion, it is related, "Jack" Larkin was returning on foot from Kansas City after disposing of a large herd of cattle. He was overtaken by a farmer and his wife who kindly offered him a "lift." The tramper gratefully accepted the ride and lay on some straw in the well of the wagon. Proceeding slowly over the rough prairie-trail the party was attacked by robbers and the prosperous looking farmer and his wife were soon relieved of all their cash; as the highwaymen were departing the "tramp" in the bottom of the wagon lifted himself on his elbow and asked the thieves to give a poor man a quarter to get his bed that night.

John Larkin // 1820 - 1896
Mary, His Wife // 1835 - 1889
John T, Their Son // 1861 - 1925

One of the robbers flung him a coin and passed on, not suspecting that Mr. Larkin had several thousand dollars on his person at that moment. Innumerable stories are told of "Jack Larkin;" but the ones told by Mr. Larkin himself, on himself, were rich and rare and racy to a high degree of wit and humor. He was an Irishman in the full sense of the word and had hosts of friends. Of course no one regarded him as a pious Catholic, but a fighting one he always was.

He established a fine home near Auburey (now Stilwell) and his children continue to prosper and are amongst the substantial people of the district. There were eight children in the family, six of whom are living and married in and around the old home place.

The mother died July 10, 1889, in the 54th year of her age. She was greatly respected for her splendid qualities of head and heart. She was a good Christian woman, a true wife and mother and never suffered discouragement to overshadow the terrible struggles of pioneer days. Mr. Larkin lived to be 76 years of age; he departed this life on December 30, 1896 and was laid beside his beloved wife in Holy Rosary Cemetery, Wea. May they rest in peace.

The History of Our Cradle Land, by Thomas H. Kinsella
PART VII, WEA, MIAMI COUNTY
THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY ROSARY
NOTES ON THE FIRST CATHOLIC SETTLERS OF THE WEA PARISH.
Transcribed by Sean Furniss

John Larkin, 1820 - 1896