J. Wilmer Cronin

J. Wilmer Cronin (October 14, 1896 – April 28, 1982) was an American politician, lawyer and newspaper publisher from Maryland. He served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1927 to 1930 and Maryland Senate from 1939 to 1946. He was the owner and publisher of The Harford Democrat.

Early life J. Wilmer Cronin was born on October 14, 1896, in Aberdeen, Maryland. He graduated from the first class of Aberdeen High School and graduated from the Charlotte Hill Military Academy. He took a job at First National Bank of Aberdeen. Cronin attended night classes at University of Maryland School of Law and graduated in 1919. He was admitted to the bar in 1919.

Career In 1919, Cronin and a partner bought The Harford Democrat and a few years later he bought out his partner. The paper would later be renamed The Harford Democrat and Aberdeen Enterprise. Cronin served as a member of the Maryland Senate from 1939 to 1946. While in the senate, he served as president of the Young Democrats of Maryland. He served as counsel to the town board of commissioners for over 20 years. He served as counsel to Harford County's board of commissioners and counsel for Harford County's planning commission for 15 years.

Cronin was a charter member and president of the Aberdeen Lions Club.

Cronin died on April 28, 1982, at Harford Memorial Hospital in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

Legacy In 1980, Cronin was the first recipient of Harford County Council's "Living Treasure of Harford County Award".