About Us

The Larrabee Fund Association of Greater Hartford distributes funds designated by the will of Major Charles Larrabee, which was probated in 1863. As indicated in his will and memoranda, Major Larrabee's clear desire was to help "lame, deformed, or maimed females ...sick females who are in want" or "other sick or poor persons at last". In keeping with his wishes, grants are given to women who cannot support themselves because of age, illness or disability. Assisting older women is a priority.

About Major Larrabee

(Adapted from the President's report given November 9, 1914).

Major Charles Larrabee was born in Windham, CT, August 24^th, 1782. We can learn nothing of his boyhood, but in Fay's official account of the battles of the War of 1812, we read that at the battle of Brownstown, the first battle of that war, Lt. Charles Larrabee of the 4^th United States Infantry was shot through the elbow of his left arm, and that five days after, the arm was amputated.

He died May 4^th, 1863, aged 81 years. His will bears the date of June 17, 1847. It was made sixteen years before he died. It could not have been written but with careful thought, for it covers 36 closely printed pages of a pamphlet and contains 4 codicils and 16 memorandums of his wishes.

The following notice appeared in the Hartford City papers of December 7^th, 1864:

"Bequest of Major Charles Larrabee, Notice—a meeting of ladies consisting of two from each of the churches in the town of Hartford, of whatever denomination, creed or sect, will be held at the lower hall of Talcott & Post, 371 Main Street, on Friday, December 16^th at 2 o'clock P.M. to form an organization, as desired by said Larrabee, for the purpose of dispensing the avails of his bequest. It is desirable that each of said churches should be represented in said meeting, by two ladies; and in case any church should fail to appoint—any two ladies are invited to be present as representatives. Pamphlets containing his will and wishes, pertaining to this subject, will be presented at the meeting."

During the first year, 22 persons received aid. In July of that first year the Fund, which at the beginning was $6342, was increased by a donation from Mr. Robert Watkinson of a building at no. 243 State St. valued at $5000.

The year 1877 seems to have been a trying one. There had been no further additions to the fund and the income was found insufficient for the applicants, until at the April meeting, there being but $5.82 on hand, and no more to be received until July, it was voted to omit all payments for one quarter or until July 1st. Then the members of the Executive Committee solicited contributions and made up a sufficient sum to tide over the emergency.

The total income given out in the first 50 years amounted to $46, 036. 55.

Major Larrabee states in his last will and testament, "These are my constant principles; life is only satisfactory to me, when I am doing something to benefit my fellow beings."