My Genealogy Hound

JOHN B. LARKIN, postmaster, Pittsburgh, was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., Nov. 25, 1838, a son of Michael and Margaret Larkin, natives of County Derry, Ireland, who came to Allegheny county in 1835, former of whom was a carpenter and builder. Like a majority of our prominent men, John B. Larkin is self-made. When quite a youth he was employed as errand-boy with Messrs. Kean & Keller, tin and sheet-iron manufacturers, remaining with them eleven years. In 1862 he located in Ironton, Ohio, and was elected clerk of that city in 1867, succeeding Hon. C. B. Edgerton, judge of probate court. His first report of the financial condition of the city was instructive, and a comprehensive document, opening up to the people of the city and county a book that had been sealed to them. The report attracted the attention of the business interests and he was offered the clerkship of the Olive Furnace company, an extensive iron firm, whose senior member is one of the wealthiest men in Southern Ohio. While in their employ Mr. Larkin received the unsolicited nomination for auditor of the county. He squared up his books, resigned his position and led the party in its forlorn hope. Gen. Grant was making his first fight for the presidency that year, sweeping the country, and Mr. Larkin, although leading his ticket, was beaten by about three hundred votes. His old position was immediately offered him, but, declining it, he turned his face homeward and engaged in business for himself at 22 Diamond square. The place was abandoned, owing to a dispute about the lease of the property, and Mr. Larkin was employed by Fleming, Agnew & Co. Subsequently he became junior member of the firm of McCandless & Co. This firm and that of Graff, Hughes & Co. had a common interest, and Mr. Larkin traveled for both, only ceasing his connection at the death of Mr. McCandless. He then accepted an office from Weldon & Kelly, resigning in 1883; was then appointed member of the Natural Gas company by Judge Stowe.

April 2, 1885, he was appointed postmaster of Pittsburgh. Mr. Larkin has given his entire attention to the post office department, and the result is appreciated by the general public. He has over one hundred letters from leading citizens and businessmen testifying to their appreciation of his improvements in facilitating the more perfect and prompt delivery of mail. This result has been obtained by careful study, careful observation and hard work. Mr. Larkin devotes thirteen hours a day to his position, and is continually adding improvements that hasten the delivery of mail. He is well known all over the state through service to his party in the past twenty-five years. He began at the bottom, working his way up through the conventions, and represented Pittsburgh in the national convention that nominated Hancock in 1880. Owing to his knowledge of gases and mechanics he was appointed one of the five persons selected by Judge Stowe to form a gas commission to determine the best and safest means for controlling and transporting natural gas, which proved a success, no serious explosions having occurred since.

Mr. Larkin was united in marriage, May 9, 1873, to Miss Rose Cannevin, at Pittsburgh, daughter of Thomas Cannevin, and a sister of Revs. Regis and James Cannevin. Mr. and Mrs. Larkin have four children: Alice, John C., Regina and Naomi.