Hiram Cronk
| Hiram Cronk | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born |
April 29, 1800 Frankfort, New York |
| Died |
May 13, 1905 (aged 105) Ava, New York |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America |
| Service/branch |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1814 |
| Rank | Private |
| Battles/wars | War of 1812 |
Hiram Cronk (April 29, 1800 – May 13, 1905) was the last surviving veteran of the War of 1812 at the time of his death.[1] He lived to the age of 105.
Life and career
Born in Frankfort, New York, Cronk enlisted with his father and two brothers on August 4, 1814. He served with the New York Volunteers in the defense of Sackett's Harbor, and was discharged November 16, 1814. For his service, he received a pension of $12 per month. In 1903, the United States Congress increased it to $25 per month. He also received a special pension of $72 per month from the State of New York.
Cronk spent most of his life working as a shoemaker. He 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 herself, making the two "serial centenarians").
Cronk died in Ava, New York in May 1905 at the age of 105. After his death, his 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.
See also
References
- Hiram Cronk
- Article written by the Utica Sunday Journal to Celebrate the Veteran's 103rd birthday
- Find-A-Grave
Media
Film clip of the hearse procession for Hiram Cronk (including the carriage for NYC Mayor McClellan) on its way from Grand Central Station to New York City Hall, taken May 17, 1905.