Age validation of Mary Cornwell (1851-1962)

Mary Jane Delley was born into slavery in Charleston, South Carolina, USA on August 8 1851, to parents Cato and Jane Delley. She had at least seven siblings. After the emancipation, the family are seen living in West Blackstock, Chester County, South Carolina. Mary married Dennis Cornwell around 1873 and they went on to have twelve children together – six boys, six girls.

Around 1889, the family moved to Louisiana, settling in Lincoln Parish. Dennis sadly died between 1920 and 1930, leaving Mary a widow. She never remarried.

Mary continued to live in Lincoln Parish for the remainder of her life, residing with her daughter. She was active in her local church and in civil work in the black community.

Mary died in Lincoln Parish, Louisiana, on February 2 1962, aged 110 years, 178 days. She was among the oldest known living people at the time of her passing. Mary was survived by a younger brother, Arthur, six children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Age validation

A difficult case, Mary claimed to be 111 at death, implying birth in 1850. In the article about her death, however, it gave her age as 111, but born in 1851.

The earliest record of Mary’s age points to 1851. Some mid-life documents understate her age, but this may have been to appear younger than her husband, who was born around 1854.

Mary Jane Cornwell’s age was validated by the GRG today; February 5 2025.