America's Oldest Man Dies

Posted December 29, 2008, 9:35 am


The oldest man in America has passed away. George Francis died of congestive heart failure on Sunday in Sacramento, California. He was 112.

The man who witnessed three centuries was also tied for the honor of second oldest man in the world. Francis was born on June 6, 1896. KXTV News in Sacramento reported that Francis quit school after the sixth grade and became an amateur boxer.

He was small in stature, never weighing much more than 100 pounds and was turned down when he tried to enlist in World War I.

Francis becaame a chauffeur and a barber and maintained an interest in politics. He told KXTV that he voted for Franklin Roosevelt in 1932 and Barack Obama in 2008.

Francis is survived by four children, 18 grandchildren, 33 great-granchildren and 16 great-great grandchildren.

His death now means that Walter Breuning of Montana is the oldest man in America. He's 112 years and 98 days old. The oldest person in the country is Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles. At 114, she's just four years older than Onie Ponder, who's story you can see by clicking here.

The oldest woman in the world is Maria de Jesus of Portugal, who is  115. The oldest man is Tomoji Tanabi of Japan who is 113.

For much more on people living past the age of 100, click here to view Growing Bolder's Centenarian Project. The World's Oldest Blogger was the amazing Ruth Hamilton. Watch her fascinating video blogs and learn more about her by clicking here.  

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