St. Lucia.
LONGEVITY.
(Vol. vii., p. 358., &c.)
On looking over some volumes of the Annual Register, from its commencement in 1758, I find instances of longevity very common, if we can credit its reports. In vol. iv., for the year 1761, amongst the deaths, of which there are many between 100 and 110, the following occur:
January. "At Philadelphia, Mr. Charles Cottrell, aged 120 years; and three days after, his wife, aged 115. This couple lived together in the marriage state 98 years in great union and harmony."
April. "Mrs. Gillam, of Aldersgate Street, aged 113."
July. "John Newell, Esq., at Michael(s)town, Ireland, aged 127, grandson to old Parr, who died at the age of 152."
August. "James Carlewhite, of Seatown, in Scotland, aged 111.
"John Lyon, of Bandon, in the county of Cork, Ireland, aged 116."
In September there are three aged 106; one 107; one 111; one 112; and one 114 registered. I will take three from the year 1768, viz.:
January. "Died lately in the Isle of Sky, in Scotland, Mr. Donald McGregor, a farmer there, in the 117th year of his age.
"Last week, died at Burythorpe, near Malton in Yorkshire, Francis Confit, aged 150 years: he was maintained by the parish above sixty years, and retained his senses to the very last."
April. "Near Ennis, Joan McDonough, aged 138 years."
Should sufficient interest attach to this subject, and any of the correspondents of "N. & Q." wish it, I will be very happy to contribute my mite, and make out a list of all the deaths above 120 years, or even 110, from the commencement of the Annual Register, but am afraid it will be found rather long.
J. S. A.