Charles Henry Cronk was a businessman and an agent and operator of the Chicago and North Western Railroad in Oregon. Charles was born in n Rensselaer County, New York on January 27, 1831. His father’s family were early settlers on the Holland Purchase. Charles’ mother was from Dutchess County, New York. The family came West in 1847 and settled in Broadhead.
Charles was educated in the Ball Seminary, Hoosac Falls, New York. He began teaching district school, and finally taught a number of terms in the old seminary, where he last studied; the illness of a sister called him West in 1848. He settled in Wisconsin, and taught school in Porter, Rock County and in Footville, where he married Miss Anna Eliza Richards, a native of Connecticut. Charles was station agent in Footville for two years, and, in 1864, succeeded Hy Edgerton at Oregon where he was the station agent for 30 years..
Mr. C. became a Mason in Footville, and was founder of the Oregon lodge. He was the first Master, and held the position eight years.
Mr. Cronk was a Republican, and business man. He built the Cronk Opera House and owned one of the finest homes in the village.
Anna and Charles had four children-Waldo B., born in Footville, Fannie E., Anna N. and Claude H., all born in Oregon.
Charles died on October 16, 1898 at the age of 67 and is buried in Prairie Mound Cemetery.
Sources referenced:
- 1880 History of Dane County, Wisconsin, p. 1236 accessible at https://archive.org/details/cu319240288714
- https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/31078089/charles-h-cronk