Phoebe  COLLIER

1884 - Died 'Full of Years'
The oft repeated, familiar psalm of the Good Book says: 'The days of our years are three-score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be four-score years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.'

In the death of Mrs. Phoebe Brockway, Wednesday of present week, our community has an instance where human life was prolonged a year more than five-score and ten.

This woman, remarkable by reason of the accumulation of years, was laid at rest in Chestnut Hill cemetery this afternoon, all the local pastors being invited to take part in the burial services - held at the house of her daughter Abigail Menzie (in 'Hamburg') at 2 o'clock and in the cemetery at 3 o'clock. Had it not been for the unfavorable weather the attendance would undoubtedly have proven very large.

Much has been said and written of this wonderfully aged woman, familiarly known as 'Granny Merritt.' Her age is a matter of some doubt, but we have chosen the minimum...Read full story


Visit Springport, New York, USA (Union Springs)


Union Springs Advertiser
Union Springs, New York
Thursday, November 13, 1884

1884 - Aged 112 Years, and Never Rode in a Railroad Car in Her Life
Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 16. - Mrs. Phoebe Brockway, who, on account of her extreme age, has of late enjoyed the distinction of being, next to Courtney, the oarsman, the greatest natural curiosity of Union Springs, N. Y., has just died, aged nearly 112 years. It was claimed that she was the oldest woman in the state. The date of her birth is given as Sept. 12, 1772. Gray haired, venerable residents remember her as an old woman even when they were in their prime...
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The Kansas City Star
Kansas City, Missouri
November 16, 1884