The record for oldest person in Chatham County was set way back in 1877 when Benjamin Johnson died at the reported age of 115 to 120 years. Even the skeptics reported that he was 107. Well, newspapers often made errors, but he was likely quite old for the times.

At the time of his death, Benjamin was said to have 77 great grandchildren, so, many of you out there can probably claim him as an ancestor!

Newspaper clippings show what the papers had to say about him in 1876 and 1877. Benjamin is buried in the family plot in Oakland Township.

Thanks to Wincie Jane Hinnant for sharing the portrait and info about her great-great-great grandfather.

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