Frederick Victor Butterfield (28 February 1864 – 9 March 1974)[1] of Harrogate, England became the world's oldest man on 5 May 1973 after the death of Friedrich Wedeking. He was succeeded by the now disputed case of Shigechiyo Izumi. Born at Thirsk, he qualified as a chemist in 1885 after training for five years.[2] He retired from pharmacy at the age of 99, according to the 1974 Guinness Book of Records. However he continued to own his pharmacy until 1970, when his son died.[2] An electroencephalogram was performed on Butterfield before his death. The doctors concluded that his brain activity was comparable to a healthy person aged 70–75.[3]
| Preceded by Friedrich Wedeking |
Oldest recognized living man 5 May 1973 – 9 March 1974 |
Succeeded by Shigechiyo Izumi (disputed) |
| Preceded by Elizabeth Watkins |
Oldest person in the United Kingdom 31 October 1973 – 9 March 1974 |
Succeeded by Rose Heeley |
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