BIOGRAPHY

Fair was born in Dewitt, Michigan, USA, on 10 February 1858, to parents James Green Pike (1821–1864) and Ann Matilda Simmons (1824–1863). She had at least six siblings; Frances Marion Pike (1846–1921), Alta Nancy Pike (1848–1863), William James Pike (1849–1936), Millard Filmore Pike (1852–1932), David Scott Pike (1853–1940), and Jasper Pike (1861–1897). Both of her parents had passed away before she turned 6, leaving her orphaned and under the care of her aunt. In her later years, she recollected the occasion when she and her schoolmates rallied for the re-election of Abraham Lincoln in 1864, when they were merely six years old.

In 1876, she married James Eugene Fair (1847–1927). The couple relocated to Knoxville in 1876, and her husband established a foundry in the city. The couple had three children; two daughters and a son.

In her 80s, she developed a heart condition that left her confined to her bed. Subsequently, her mobility was limited, and she could only sit up with the aid of a wheelchair. When asked about the secret of her longevity at the age of 100, she replied: “I really din’t know, I guess the Lord isn’t ready for me, so I’ve had to stay here. I’ve had a very quiet life, and I make sure to eat three times a day, regularly. I guess that’s almost a hobby with me.” She lived with her daughter and son-in-law until her daughter’s passing in March 1963. Following this event, she relocated to the Kingston Pike Nursing Home in Knoxville. At the time of her 108th birthday, it was reported she was unable to watch television and read, but was keeping up with the news via her radio and was still alert to the world around her.

Fair passed away in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, on 14 March 1968, at the age of 110 years, 33 days. She was survived by two children; James Eugene Fair Jr. and Mabel Agnes Gammon, five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and Daniel Gonik, and validated by LongeviQuest on 21 August 2023.

Following her validation, it was determined that upon celebrating her 110th birthday in February 1968, she became the first supercentenarian in the U.S. state of Tennessee.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Agnes Delphine Pike Fair” – Find A Grave

* “She’s Seen Century of Rapid Change” – The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 9 February 1958,

* “Mrs. Agnes Fair, 106, Opposes Moonshots” – The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 9 February 1964

* “Mrs. Fair Is 108 Today, Still Alert” – The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 10 February 1966

GALLERY