The history of St. Jan, Danish West Indies: In this post, you’re going to learn a little information about the oldest inhabitant of St. John who was believed to be 115 years old!
The Obituary of Salome Anthony of the Island of St. John
Finding obituaries in the old newspapers is a wonderful way to learn about the history of the Island’s inhabitants.
I found Salome Antony’s obituary fascinating.
She was reported to be the oldest inhabitant from the island of St. John to pass away.
- Here are the details found in the July 12, 1909 edition of Lightbourn’s Mail Notes.
- It read …..
“Salome Anthony died on Saturday and was buried yesterday.
She was beyond a doubt our oldest inhabitant, being long past the century mark and believed to have been 115 years of age.
She could playfully allude to such ancient events as the fires here of 1804 and 1806.
She was a native of St. John being born in the Sessman Hill district there, but she lived in St. Thomas during her younger days returning to St. John in her womanhood where she remained for up to twenty years.
After which, she returned to St. Thomas to stay with relatives.
- She had all the appearance of old age, being very bent, heavy for years and used as staff.
- Her eyesight was good and she was in possession of her mental faculties fully up to about two weeks ago.
- In disposition, she was cheerful and contented and was not a grumbler, although her lot was hard at times.
She was a member of the Moravian community.”
This is an incredible find, especially for anyone researching the Anthony family in St. John.
Learn About St. John’s Past, 1922 to 1950s
