Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1895 — Oldest Woman in America. [ARTICLE]

Oldest Woman in America.

Mrs. Anna Collins, of Troy, Tenn., is probably the oldest woman in the United States. She was born in Robertson County, Tenn., April 7, 1788, and is therefore in her 108th year. Her husband, Francis Collins, was born March 11, 1791, and came from South Carolina to West Tennessee. He was one of the most noted Methodist evangelists that was ever in the South. It is said of him that in one of his revival meetings suc>‘jnthusiasm was manifested that there were in two weeks 845 conversions and 456 accessions to the church. Five children were born to Francis and Anna Collins, two of whom are still living, the eldest being a man of three score and six years. She has used tobacco constantly for fifty-five years, and is as strong to-day as most women at the age of 45.