Hiram Cronk
Born(1800-04-19)April 19, 1800
Frankfort, New York, U.S.
DiedMay 13, 1905(1905-05-13) (aged 105)
Dunn Brook, Oneida County, New York, U.S.
Burial placeCypress Hills National Cemetery
Occupation(s)Farmer, shoemaker
Spouse
Mary Thornton
​
​
(m. 1824; died 1885)​
Children7
Military service
Allegiance United States
BranchNew York Militia
Years of service1814
RankPrivate
UnitCaptain Edmund Fuller's Company
WarsWar of 1812

Hiram Cronk (April 19, 1800 – May 13, 1905) was the last surviving U.S. veteran of the War of 1812.

Early life and military service

Hiram Cronk was born in Frankfort, New York, on April 19, 1800. He was mustered into federal service as a private in Captain Edmund Fuller's Company (detached from the New York Militia) on October 8, 1814. Having served five weeks in defense of Sackett's Harbor, he was mustered out on November 16, 1814.[1]

Later life and death

Cronk spent most of his life working as a shoemaker. For his wartime service, he received a pension of $12 per month. In 1903, Congress increased it to $25 per month. He also received a special pension of $72 per month from the State of New York. He died in Dunn Brook, Oneida County, New York, on May 13, 1905,[1] at the age of 105.

After his death, Cronk's body was displayed in the main lobby of New York City Hall. An estimated 925,000 people paid their respects. He is interred in the Mount of Victory, Cypress Hills National Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.

Personal life

Cronk married Mary Thornton in 1825, with whom he had seven children. At the time of his death, he had 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (his great-granddaughter Jane lived to over 100 years of age, making the two "serial centenarians").

See also

References

  1. 1 2 The Constitution and Register of Membership of the General Society of the War of 1812. Philadelphia, Pa. 1908. p. 267. LCCN 09014021. OL 23290761M – via Internet Archive.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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