Joe McCrank at Gabriels Sanatorium.
Historic Saranac Lake Collection, 2023.94.1.60.
Gift of Marilyn and John McCrank.Born: March 25, 1902
Died: 1928
John "Joseph" or "Joe" McCrank was born in Plattsburgh, New York, to John Albert and Mary Jane (Yeon) McCrank. He contracted tuberculosis during high school but still graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1920. He cured for some time in 1922 at Gabriels Sanatorium and most likely returned there several times before his death at home in 1928. It is unknown what Joe's career aspirations were and he did not have the chance to attend college due to his illness. He enjoyed dancing and trips to Canada.
Joe's younger brother, Peter Neill, was tested for tuberculosis at Ray Brook as an adult, due to the extended amount of time spent with his brother. Joe's father, John Albert, was the first milk inspector in Clinton County in 1909, and Peter would later hold the same post. They were responsible for conducting tuberculosis and other blood tests on cows to reduce disease and improve the safety and quality of local milk production. According to family history, John Albert also gave a talk on the subject of "the relation of bovine and human tuberculosis."
