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Walter Breuning of Great Falls, Montana turned 114 years old today. He's the oldest man in the world. In this video, Breuning shares his memories of growing up in the 19th Century, experiencing hard economic times, and appreciating the technological wonders of our time.
Link via Geekosystem
He may not have vivid details of being 4 years old, but I have some vivid memories from when I was that age, don't you?
As far as records go, you should take a look at some genealogical sites. You can find census, birth, death and marriage records from way back. I have parish records from when my grandfather was born in 1886 in Newfoundland, a newspaper article from when his parents go married in 1882, his enlistment papers from WWI, and census records from 1916.
I think it's wonderful that at his age Walter is so positive and seemingly very healthy. I hope he has a family and that they realize what a gift it is to have the opportunity to get to know this man.
I wonder how they verify his age? Not like 1896 was a bastion of accurate record keeping.