BIOGRAPHY

Mitchener was born in Edgerton, Johnson County, Kansas, USA, on 17 August 1871, to parents James Holden Spalding (1835–1917) and Esther McAuley Spalding (1842–1921). She had three younger siblings: Martin John Spalding (1873–1911), James Lawrence Spalding (1877–1920), and Addalada Ryan (1878–1957). Her mother and paternal grandmother were both born in Ireland. In 1873, the family moved to Stockton, Utah. She attended St. Mary’s Academy in Salt Lake City and St. Theresa’s Academy in Boise, Idaho.

On 30 June 1897, she married William Pym Mitchener in Tooele, Utah. The couple had one daughter, Marcella (married Mooney). The family lived in Stockton until 1907, when they moved to Salt Lake City. In 1929, they moved to Puget Sound area. Her husband passed away in 1942. For about 30 years, she ran a seamstress shop in a backroom of the Seattle library branch in the Montlake area. At the age of 80, she retired from dress-making business.

When asked about the secret of her longevity at her 110th birthday, she said there’s no formula, and added, “I just think the Lord has bestowed upon me more than my share of excellent health.” At the time, it was reported that she never smoked and was a light eater, but she occasionally drank beer and wine. At the time, she was living with her daughter, and she had two grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Mitchener passed away in Seattle, Washington, USA, on 13 April 1983, at the age of 111 years, 239 days.

RECOGNITION

On 23 August 1981, at the age of 110 years, 6 days, she surpassed Sarah Smith‘s final age, becoming the oldest person to ever live in the U.S. state of Washington. She held the title until her own final age was surpassed by Hattie Mitchell on 25 October 1983.

Her age was verified by Anson Davis and Jimmy Lindberg, and validated by LongeviQuest on 16 November 2023.

ATTRIBUTION

* James Holden Spalding – Find A Grave

* “Moderation is Esther Mitchener’s way of life” – Seattle Daily Times, 17 August 1981

* “State’s oldest resident dies” – Ellensburg Daily Record, 15 April 1983

* “Good genes, moderation: 111 years” – Seattle Daily Times, 16 April 1983

GALLERY

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