The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-22
DEATH OF MRS. TAMS.
She Succumbs to La Grippe in
New York City on Sunday.
Daughter Of Thomas o. Larkin, She Was
the First Child Born Of Purely American
Parents in the State of California.

A Geographic dlspar CHI from New York briefly
announces The death in that city, on Sunday, of
Mrs. Sampson Tams, VITO OF one OF San Fran
cisco's best-known and most honored citizens.
La grippe is mentioned as the cause OF her
death, which must have occurred unexpectedly,
as only week ago friend of the family resd-
ing here received letter, In which 1t was stated
that size was suffering from a simple cold, but
expected 10 leave for Philadelphia In few days
Mrs. -Tams' maiden name was Caroline Larkln.
She was the daughter of Thomas o. Larkin, The
first and last American Consul who ever held
Office 10 California, and she enjoyed the disiinc-
tOn OF having been the first white child born OF
American PARENTS In this State. Mr.. Larkin was
appointed Consul in 1874. aud held the position
until S4S, al Which time the territory passed
from the control OF the Mexican Government 10
that of The United States. IL is more than prob
able that the acquisition was III a great measure
due 10 The foresight and energy OF Mr.. Llrkln at
time when England had almost maiured her
plans to take possession OF what now consul,
tutes the State OF Caliiornla. he afTiyea
his Coast In 1882, and In 1888
was married TO lady from Massa-
chusetts, she having been me , ntst
As both were Professionals they could not be mar.
ried by The tiles of The Catholic Church. aud
there were no other denominations here Then.
In their dilemma they were assisted by Joh1 Z.
Jones, United States Consul at The Sandwich
Islands, who happened on The Coast on a
vessel flying the American nag at Tue
time, aud he performed the ceremony by
virtue of bis official position. Tie child. Caro-
line, born Of this marriage, was the hrst OF
purely American parentage born in California.
Mr.. Larkins residences in the early days
of san Francisco on Stockton street,
near jackson. and in consequence OF his exalted
position 1t was the focus for social gatherings.
Al The time II was In the center vi the fashion
able portion OF the city. In these surroundings
Miss Caroline grew up 10 be Il handsome young
woman, whose sterling virtues were recognized
and CAUSED her to be much sought after by the
young men of the city After her MARRIAGE 10
oi,a hAn n q
able enterprises. Her disposition was OF that
nature which Is denOmlnated as "lOyable," and
her personal magnetism drew about her large
circle OF devoted friends. Her benefaetions
were generous but unostentatiOus.
In May last Mr.. aud Mrs. Tams decided TO
visit Europe, and not knowing al the time how
long the tour would be. Thy rented their resi-
deuce, l915 Van Ness avenue, to Mr. WE'LL OF
Well, Michael u Co. Her absence was source
Pushed and cheerful enterlaner, flushed
musician aud Il lady OF much literary ability.
AL tie time of her death she had work ready
for the press which, having been reviewed by
the critics, is spoken OF In terms OF eommenda-
ton.
Her placid life had its effect upon her general
appearance, and although but lille less than 4S
years OF age, she looked fully ten years younger.
She WAS an active churchwoman, having been
for years men ber of Trinity Episcopal church,
in tie paTochial work OF which size was ever busy.
Aud il Is a filling circumstance thar the church
mat SHE loved SO dearly, aud Where she was
won't to meet SO many OF her friends
and co-laborers, should be the house
from whence her earthly remains should
be borne Mr.. Winfield s. Zeeu. who holds
Nr. Tams' power as attorney TO act
hls agent, stated last night that he was III mo
mentary expectation Of dispatch informing him
that the embalmeG remains had bean forwarded
10 Ibls city, IN which event they VIII arrive on or
about Saturday, and viii BE- deposited In The
mOTtuary chapel OF Triulty Church until such
time as arr angemenis for the funeral can be
made.
Air. Tams has the sincere sympathy OF host
OF friends In his bereavement. He Is we'll
known member
Mr.. James Il: own Potter, aud Is connected with
the banking finn Of Duane Bros. u Co. OF
Philadelphia, VINO stand next 10 the Die&els III
the volume Of their business
Referring to The Ire of Mrs. Tams father,
Thomas O. Larku the " Annals of California"
says that IN 1916 he Travelled toward the noun
tains IN order TO induce the immigrants WHO
were on lhvir way 10 the Coast 10 JON FIRE.
Monterey his horse gave out on the
road and lie was compelled to apply TO
one Of the natives for St ed. 1t was
loaned unwilliugly. and only upon condition that
II lie aulnal was burt, MI. Larkin was 10 pay
$50 for itnd If The natives Killed the rider IN the
TO ID and kept the horse, then Mrs. Larkin was
to pay lie money. Upon his arriving at MOp-
terey Mr.. Larkln found that hi. family had left
for san Francisco by sea While on a flying trip
here to see his SICK child lie was CAPTURED and
held prisoner for several months. Subsequently
he ana his wife paid d visit 10 Massachusetts re-
turning 10 California In 1853.
The only rival 10 the late Mrs. Tams was a
child OF mixed parentage. Rosaiie Leese born on
al that time was what subsequently became San
Francisco. She WAS the FIRST child born In lerba
Buena. Her father Jacob Primer ieese "a ma
tive OF Oh0) reached the cove OF Yerba Buena
was married 10 a sister OF the late General
Vallejo.