William Larrabee

William Larrabee (January 20, 1832 – November 16, 1912) was an American Republican politician from Iowa. He served as the 13th governor of Iowa from 1886 until 1890.

Early life

Larrabee was born in Ledyard, Connecticut, to Adam Larrabee (1787–1869), was a West Point graduate and an accomplished soldier, who served with distinction in the War of 1812 and his mother was Hannah (née Lester). He was descended from the French Huguenot family d'Larrabee, who moved to Connecticut in the early 1600's.

Larrabee was the seventh of nine children, and grew up on his father's Connecticut farm. He was educated in local schools until the age of 19. At around age 14, Larrabee lost the eyesight in his right eye after a gun he was holding accidentally discharged. As a result, he was unfit for many careers available to young men of his class in New England. Larrabee chose to become a teacher. In 1853, at age 21, he moved to Iowa following the death of his older brother John who lived in Iowa and had died and an older sister who lived there as well in search of opportunity.

In Iowa, Larrabee taught school for a few years, but soon after his arrival established himself as a successful miller, banker, and farmer in Clermont. Larrabee prospered in business and eventually became one of the biggest landowners in the state. He attempted to enlist at the outbreak of the Civil War, but was rejected on account of his disability.

Political career

Larrabee entered electoral politics in 1867. He was elected to the Iowa Senate as a Republican, after helping organize the newly created party in Iowa. Larrabee was reelected many times, sometimes without even nominal Democratic opposition. While a legislator, Larrabee served on several committees, and eventually came to chair the influential Ways and Means committee.