The Worcester Journal in 1871 reported the “DEATH OF A CENTENARIAN”.

In our obituary this week we record the death, on the 25th ult., of John Jenkins of Coddington, near Ledbury, Herefordshire, at the extraordinary age of 107 years.  The deceased lived with his daughter, who is now about 85 years of age, in a small mud hut near Coddington-cross, and was formerly a farm labourer of very industrious habits.  For many years, however, he has been supported by parochial relief.  Some few years ago Mr. Treherne and Mr. Andrews, of Bosbury, visited the old man, and were surprised to find him in want of many necessary articles, such as bed-clothing, &c., whereupon they made an appeal to the inhabitants on his behalf, and sufficient money was raised to buy such necessaries as he was in need of.  The deceased was in possession of all his faculties up to the time of his death.  He freely indulged in smoking.’

Source:

Herefordshire Past

The Newsletter of The Trust for the Victoria County History of Herefordshire

Series 2, No. 20, Autumn 2015