The War Of 1812 Lawsuit That Was Finally Settled 115 Years Later
A Canadian named James Crooks brought suit against the American government, but its conclusion wasnt reached until more than a century later
When matters of contention are taken to court, it’s with the intent on getting satisfaction as soon as possible. Some lawsuits play out over time before they’re resolved, but in rare cases they may extend much longer. However, nothing beats the suit brought by James Crooks against the United States for damages he incurred during the War of 1812, which wasn’t resolved until a settlement was reached by his heirs 115 years later in 1927.
Crooks was born in Scotland in 1778 and relocated to Canada in 1791 to join his half-brother, Francis, who was working as a merchant. In 1795, they shifted to Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake), expanding their business into supplying goods to the military, and producing and shipping beer, spirits, and potash. Their gradual success allowed them to construct their own ship, the Lord Nelson, in 1811.
Unfortunately, Crooks lost his vessel in short order. He served as a captain in the local militia during the War of 1812, during which time the Lord Nelson (which was only operating in a legal business capacity) was seized by…
