John Larkin

John Larkin (1801–1858) was a Jesuit priest, born in England, who settled in New York City. There he founded the College of St. Francis Xavier (now Xavier High School) and became president of St John's College (now Fordham University).

Earlier life John Larkin was born in County Durham, England in 1801. He focused on classical studies at Ushaw College of the University of Durham. After his studies at Ushaw, he joined the navy and briefly traveled to Hindostan before returning to England to work at firms in Newcastle and London. In 1823 he began studying theology in Paris at the St. Sulpice seminary.

College of St. Francis Xavier In 1847, with only five cents remaining from his travels, Larkin founded the College of St. Francis Xavier, now Xavier High School. With his five cents he was able to purchase a former Protestant church at the crossroads of Elizabeth and Walker streets. However, in 1848 a devastating fire destroyed the property. In 1851 a new location was acquired on West Sixteenth Street. During the search for a new location, Larkin received the opportunity to become Bishop of Toronto, a position he declined. The Know Nothings were a group determined to fight the growing influence of German and Irish Catholic immigrants in America. After the fallout from St. Patrick's day, two meetings on Fordham Heights were held by the Know Nothings to plot setting fire to St. John's. However, a blacksmith, Mr. Cole, was aware of these meetings and threatened to expose the group if they continued with their plans. The Know Nothings ceased planning their attempt to burn down the college, but the government decided to provide the college with twelve muskets for protection.

Legacy After he left Fordham in 1854, he was summoned to England, Ireland, and eventually back to New York. Larkin died on December 11, 1858, at Fordham.