James and Mary Larkin
Great-great grandparents James Larkin (1820-1891) and Mary Larkin (1819-1892) were both born in Ireland, although we do not know a more specific location within Ireland. We also do not know Mary's birth name. It is not clear exactly when John and Mary Larkin emigrated from Ireland to America. However, it is reasonable to assume that it was shortly before the birth of their first child, John, in Connecticut in 1843. A year later, a daughter, Catherine, was born in New York in 1844. Keeping on the move, they gave birth to another son, James, in 1847 in the state of Massachusetts.
James identified himself as a blacksmith, and apparently this was a portable skill. By the late 1840s, they had relocated once again, this time considerably further away to the village of Lebanon in Dodge County, Wisconsin. While in Lebanon, their last child, a son named Francis, was born in 1849. Francis would later change his name to 'Frank R.', and still later he would become the great grandfather of the Larkins of 'Tosa.
James and Mary Larkin did not plant deep roots in Lebanon. By the 1860s they and their kids were living in Watertown in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. And, at some point, perhaps in the mid- to late-1870s, they made one last move, this time to Milwaukee. After a life of jumping around, their final address was 102 10th Street in Milwaukee.
James Larkin died on November 14, 1891, and Mary Larkin followed on August 10, 1892. They are both buried in Calvary Cemetery.