His father, Adam Larrabee (1787–1869), was a West Point graduate and an accomplished soldier, who served with distinction in the War of 1812.

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.

In the general election he faced Democrat Charles Whiting, who attempted to portray Larrabee as an unredeemed capitalist and owners of many locals' debts.

At the end of his life he supported Theodore Roosevelt and the Bull Moose faction of the Republican party.

Julia married Don Lathrop Love, future Republican mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska.

[citation needed] Helen married Charles Burton Robbins, a future United States Assistant Secretary of War.

Larrabee died on November 16, 1912, and was buried at God's Acre Cemetery in Clermont alongside his wife.