Alexander Grant

BIOGRAPHY

Grant was born in St. Vincent in the Parish of Trelawny,  Jamaica, on 10 June 1904, to parents Charles Grant and Christine Campbell. At 16, he immigrated to the United States, later helping other family members make the journey as well. His parents settled in Plainfield, New Jersey, while Grant lived in Brooklyn, New York, as a young man. In his later years, he also relocated to Plainfield, where he remained until his passing. Grant had one son, Douglas.

Grant’s career was diverse and entrepreneurial. He worked as a business-to-business sales representative, refrigerator repair expert, house wiring technician, and businessman. He attended the Murray Hill School of Electronics and owned several businesses in Brooklyn, including a refrigerator repair shop on Troop Avenue, a general food supply store, and various real estate properties across New York and New Jersey. In his younger days, he also owned a trucking company, where he frequently took on the driving himself. His company transported materials for several major New York City construction projects, including the Holland Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge. He was also active in the civil rights movement and a follower of Marcus Garvey’s philosophy. Additionally, he was one of the twelve founding members of the Paragon Progressive Credit Union in Brooklyn, New York.

Alexander Grant passed away in Plainfield, New Jersey, USA, on 28 March 2015, at the age of 110 years, 291 days.

RECOGNITION

In June 2014, he celebrated his 110th birthday, becoming the first documented Jamaican-born man to reach this milestone.

On 23 December 2014, following the passing of 110-year-old Conrad Johnson, he became the oldest (known) living man in the United States, at the age of 110 years, 196 days. Upon his own passing, he was likely succeeded by James Richardson.

His age was verified by James Roberts, and validated by LongeviQuest on 4 November 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* Judkins Colonial Home (Plainfield, NJ)

GALLERY

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