1814-1917
Margaret Kidney lived to age 103. She earned her own way after the death of her husband, when she was 35, by making clothes, which she embroidered. On the 1860 census her occupation is listed as “fancy store”.
Margaret’s daughter died when she was 60, after this she fostered many girls, which she attributed to keeping her young. “I just had to live to bring up the little girl [I adopted at 77]” she said.
Margaret was born in Passaic and lived in the house she had built in Newark at 125 N. 6th Street for at least 65 years, according to the Star. She is listed on many Newark censuses, sometimes as a Landlord.
Bibliography
“Passing Hundred Year Mark Woman Cooks Own Meals and Forgets Her Age” Star Nov 28, 1913
“Two Centenarians Women Quietly Celebrated Christmas” Star Dec 26, 1914
“End Comes at 103 To Oldest Resident” Newark Evening News Feb 12, 1917
Census records