Biography of John Larkin This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography, including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & Co., Chicago, 1898. Page 385 Scan and OCR by Joy Fisher, 1997. This file may be copied for non-profit purposes. All other rights reserved. JOHN LARKIN, the mayor of Madison, Lake county, is one of the leading men of his section, and has always been prominent in public and municipal affairs. Mr. Larkin was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin, May 12, 1860, and is the son of Joseph and Ellen Larkin, both of whom came from the northern part of Ireland. They settled in LaCrosse, where they still reside. John, who was the eldest of five children, spent his younger days in LaCrosse, where he obtained his education. He was later station agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, a position which he held for fifteen years, during which time he was stationed at various points on the line. Mr. Larkin came to Madison in 1890 as agent for the railroad company, and until 1896 continued in that capacity. He then engaged in the milling business at Madison in partnership with Mr. Coffey, under the name and style of Coffey & Larkin. The mill which they own has a capacity of one hundred barrels per day, and their business is steadily increasing. The firm sells its product in Lake and neighboring counties, and the brands of which they make a specialty are fast obtaining a reputation among fastidious consumers. Mr. Larkin is politically a Republican. For two years he was an alderman of Madison, and for the same length of time a school director, and has at all times taken an active part in civic affairs. In 1896 he was elected mayor of Madison, and is now the presiding officer of that city. Mr. Larkin occupied the position of express agent of Madison for four years during,, the time he was with the railroad company. He is a member of the blue lodge, Masonic fraternity, also the chapter; the A. O. U. W.; and M. W. of A., all at Madison. He was secretary of the Workmen, and has filled several positions in the other societies mentioned. Mr. Larkin married Miss Sada Carr, the daughter of H. J. Carr, of Sparta, Wisconsin, in 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Larkin are the parents of five children: Lettie, Van, Leo, Ray, Lorine.