John McMorran: Oldest Known American
Text of Associated Press article, June 21, 2002:
Oldest Known American Celebrates his 113th
Lakeland, Florida
So what does a man believed to be the oldest American do on his birthday? He has a party, of course.After 113 birthdays, they've become routine for John Ingram McMorran.
For his relatives, the event was more emotional. Tears rolled down great-grandson's Scott McMorran's cheeks at his Wednesday party.
It's not the long life (that's so important). It's the person, not the age," said Scott McMorran, 39.He was among 25 relatives, including a great-great grandson, and staff attending the party at Tandem Health Care of North Lakeland.
McMorran was born to a farm family in Imlay City, Mich., on June 19, 1889.
During World War I, he was too old, 28, for the draft. Instead, he made bombs for the government, working 20-hour days at times.
After the war, he hauled milk, and when it was time for him to retire in the 1950's, he took a job carrying mail.He worked until he was 84.
His wife, Matie, died when McMorran was 75.They were together for 51 years; their only son, Robert, died at age 53.McMorran attributes his longevity to three cups of coffee a day, and not a cup more.He quit smoking when he was 97.
McMorran lost his sight about two years ago and can hear if someone talks directly into his ear.Up until last year he could stand up by himself, nurse Essie Williams said.
Now, he sits in a wheelchair and enjoys talking to Williams."She good to me," he said.