Thomas Oliver Larkin US Consul in California Country: USA

1. Biography of Thomas Oliver Larkin
2. Consul and Influential Merchant
3. Arrest and Later Life

Biography of Thomas Oliver Larkin

Thomas Oliver Larkin was born in 1803. He worked as a postal clerk in Washington, but in 1831, he decided to move to California. Larkin was a trailblazer in many ways. He was the first American to retain his citizenship and Protestant faith in California. In 1833, his first American child was born in California, although the baby girl only lived for a few months. In 1834, Larkin opened the first general store in Monterey, and in 1835, he built the first two-story house in the city. This house also served as the U.S. consulate, as Larkin had been the de facto U.S. consul in California since 1833.

Consul and Influential Merchant

Consul Larkin did not abandon his business and soon became one of the influential merchants in the province. He established good relations with the Californian authorities, and Governor Manuel Micheltorena was both his debtor and personal friend.

Starting in 1843, Larkin prepared for American settlement in California, publishing articles in newspapers on the East Coast and providing assistance to Americans moving to the region. It was during this time that President Polk appointed Thomas Larkin as his secret agent for the annexation of California. When the war with Mexico broke out, Larkin played an active role in the seizure of the province and acted as a mediator between the American military and Californian authorities.

Arrest and Later Life

In mid-November 1846, Larkin was arrested by Californian troops. He spent the following year as a prisoner, although he was treated as an honored guest. After his release, Larkin resigned as consul and focused on land trading, investing in railroads, and mercury mining. In 1849, Thomas was elected as a member of the State Constitutional Convention. In 1850, the Larkin family moved to the East Coast, but the damp air of New York caused numerous health issues for his family members. In 1853, Thomas Larkin returned to California and passed away in San Francisco a year later.