The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1903-01-24
JUDGE F. p. LARKrN.
A Sketch Of His Life by Member Of
the City Bar.

of Mississippi has suffered the loss o.
an able judge, and the bench of the
state an ornament to our excellent jud.
iciary. The life and deeds Of one
who filled ably the positions Of trust
and horror occupied by Judge Larkin,
can but be Of interest to those who
respected him asa judge, admired
him as a man and esteemed him as a
friend. The people of Greenville, his
adopted home, are justly proud Of the
record of one whose sterling qualities
had made him popular and respected
man. Judge Larkin was born in
Greene county, Mississippi, November
14th, 1859. He was prepared for col
lege by his father, Presbyterian
minister. His ability and Applicant
on were such as to enable him IN the
Fall of 1880 to enter thejunior class at
the state university, somewhat un-
usual occurrence. While at Oxford
he became member of leading Greek
lie ter fraternity, the d. x. Z.
His under graduate studies were
brought to conclusion in June,
1882, when he graduated with honors,
and the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
Among other young men in college
at the same time, who subsequently
became prominent professionally and
politically, were Senator Joe Bailey,
Of Texas; Congressman Shed Hill, B.
G.. Humphreys, E. S. Gambler and
Pat Henry, Of this state. Judges ". 7.
Stevens and Edgar Bryant, District
Attorneys s. s. Hudson. E. L. Brewer,
State Treasurer Robt. Showers and
Superintendent Of Education A. A.
Kincannon The distinctions ear
ned by these and other college mates
Judge Larkin attest strikingly
their worth besides rejecting
honor on their Alma Mater, in devo-
ton to and affection for which he was
excelled by none. After his gradu-
alton the recognition Of his ripe and
accomplished scholarship secured for
him position as Fellow in the Uni
versity, which position was ably filled
by him for five years. There are many
young men Of our state who profted
by his instruction during thisperiod
While performing with exemplary
ability his duties as Fellow the stud
emit nature which Characterised
Judge Larkin, prompted him to pursue
a post graduate course, which he COM
pleted in June 1885, receiving the
degree of Masterof Arts.
Having attained degree of schol-
arship, which is very noteworthy in
our state, he took up the study of law,
attending the University law school.
He was admitted to the bar in the
summer of 1887, whereupon he severed
his connection with the University
and removed to Corinth, Miss, where
he formed partnership with Jno. B.
Burge. While successful there in his
chosen profession, his perception OF
the broader field afforded by the Delta
resulted in his removal to Greenville,
where he formed partnership with
Hon. J. L. Hebron in the spring of
1883.
Mr.. Hebron retiring from the prac-
tice in 1891, partnership was con-
cluded with Judge Phelps, which the
death of the late terminated.
Subsequent partnerships were effect
ed with ]. R. Yerger and VIM.
Griffin, which latter continued until
the elevation of Judge Larkin to the
bench to which he was appointed by
Governor Longino in June, 1900.
These partnerships were produdc-
tive of lasting friendships, two of the
surviving partners being among those
who bore him to the long rest, with
er one had preceded him.
During his partnership with Jndge
Phelps, Judge Larkin served two years
as county attorney. In 1899 he was
elected representative from Washing
ton county in the state legislature,
which position he resigned upon being
appointed judge, after filling it faith
fully and to the entire satisfaction of
his constituents.
While not in any sense a politician,
the popularity of Judge Larkin was
strikingly demonstrated by his leading
the legislative ticket
His honors came to HIM as result !
of confidence in his ability and integ-
rity; that confidence extending from
the humblest voter to the governor Of
the state, who had known him in his |
early life as we'll as in his maturer
years, and between whom and Judge |
Larkin there always existed a deep
personal friendship. One year after
his appointment to the bench Judge |
Larkin married Miss Ruth Primros
of this city. Their married life was
marked by felicity which rendered
more deplorable its brevity.
Never a strong man he succumbed
to an attack of typhoid fever which
his constitution, weakened by prev
ious illness, was unable to resist.
His death on January Srd. brought
sorrow to many who had feared the
result. His funeral on January 4th
was attended by large numbers OF
thosa who came To nav the lAstsad