✔ Age Certified by LongeviQuest
Sylvester Melvin was an American supercentenarian who was the world’s oldest living man from 1960 until his death in 1962. His age has been validated by the Gerontology Research Group (GRG) and recognised by LongeviQuest.
Melvin was born in Rubicon, Illinois, on 29 November 1851 as the eldest son of Thomas and Elizabeth Melvin. He had at least three siblings, one of whom, Stephen, lived to be 97. He graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University as a young adult.
On 19 October 1880, Melvin married Addie Strickland. The couple had four children: Leon, Maurice, Mildred, and Marguerite. His daughters lived to be 97 and 102 respectively. In 1900, he gained employment as a secretary of a fire insurance company, still retaining the position aged 107. He also founded a cattle farm with the name, “Sylvester Melvin & Sons.”
Melvin’s wife died in 1954 aged 95. During his centenarian years, he still had the ability to rake leaves in the garden of his daughter’s house, which was where he lived, and had vivid memories of the American Civil War, which commenced in 1861. His eyesight had deteriorated by his 109th birthday. He spent his 110th birthday hospitalised for a minor intestinal complaint.
Melvin died in Greenfield, Illinois, on 12 March 1962 at the age of 110 years, 103 days.
Following the death of Dutchman Willem Kostering on 9 December 1960, Melvin, then aged 109, became the oldest man in the world whose age has been validated. Upon his own death over a year later, he was succeeded by Canadian Joseph Saint-Amour, who died four days later. He was among the top 10 oldest men ever at the time of his death.
Melvin’s age was verified by Gabriel Ainsworth and Robert Young, and was validated by the GRG on 5 September 2014.
Melvin shortly before his 105th birthday (Source: Alton Evening Telegraph)
Melvin at the age of 106 (Source: Alton Evening Telegraph)
Melvin shortly before his 109th birthday (Source: Alton Evening Telegraph)
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