The last American person born in the 1800s was Susannah Mushatt Jones. Her passing marked the end of an era, as she was the final individual in the United States whose life spanned parts of three centuries.
The Life of Susannah Mushatt Jones
Born on July 6, 1899, in Lowndes County, Alabama, Susannah Mushatt Jones lived an extraordinary life that saw immense societal and technological changes. She was one of 11 children born to sharecroppers and dedicated much of her life to childcare. After graduating high school in 1922, she moved north, first to New Jersey, and then settled in New York City in 1923, where she primarily worked as a live-in housekeeper and nanny. She was known for her love of bacon, sleep, and family.
Here are some key facts about Susannah Mushatt Jones:
- Birth Date: July 6, 1899
- Death Date: May 12, 2016
- Age at Death: 116 years, 311 days
- Place of Birth: Lowndes County, Alabama, USA
- Place of Death: New York City, New York, USA
- Distinction: Last American person born in the 1800s; oldest living person in the world at the time of her death.
A Link to the 19th Century
Susannah Mushatt Jones held the unique distinction of being the last American alive who was born in the 19th century. She came to be known as "the very last American from the 1800s." Her remarkable longevity made her a subject of fascination and a living bridge to an era long past. When she passed away at her home in New York, it symbolized the final farewell to a generation that witnessed the turn of two centuries. Her life encompassed events from the Spanish-American War to the invention of the internet, providing a profound connection to the historical tapestry of the United States.
A Glimpse at Longevity
Susannah Mushatt Jones's journey through life can be summarized in this table:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susannah Mushatt Jones |
| Born | July 6, 1899 |
| Died | May 12, 2016 |
| Age | 116 years, 311 days |
| Nationality | American |
| Significance | Last American born in the 1800s |
| Residence (at death) | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Longevity Status | Oldest living person in the world (2015-2016) |
For more information on her life and legacy, you can refer to her profile on Wikipedia.
The Era's Final Farewell
The death of Susannah Mushatt Jones not only marked the end of a remarkable life but also closed a significant chapter in American history. With her passing, the direct human link to the 19th century in the United States was severed, leaving future generations to rely solely on records and stories to understand that distant era. Her existence served as a tangible reminder of the resilience and endurance of a generation that shaped the modern world.
