John Evans (19 August 1877 – 10 June 1990) of Fforestfach, Swansea[1] was the longest-lived authenticated man ever from the United Kingdom from 27 May 1989 until 29 March 2009, when Henry Allingham broke his record. Evans was also the oldest recognized living man at the time of his death.
Evans had been a Welsh coal miner, and became the oldest man in the United Kingdom ever when he broke the record of England's John Mosely Turner (1856–1968). In March 1986, at 108, Evans was the oldest person to be fitted with a pacemaker, from which he made a quick recovery.[2] Evans attributed his longevity to abstinence of smoking, drinking, swearing, and gambling.[3] On his 110th birthday, he visited London for the first time in his life.[2] According to a news item published on his death,
The article went on
The British male longevity record set by Evans, who died at 112 years and 295 days old, was surpassed by Henry Allingham on 29 March 2009.[4] Evans is recognised as the world's oldest man from 25 November 1988, from the death of Alphaeus Philemon Cole, until Evans' death.[5] Guinness had recognised Evans as the "world's oldest man" in 1989, but let the title lapse after his death, only to bring it back in 2000.
Preceded by Alphaeus Philemon Cole |
Oldest recognised living man 25 November 1988 – 10 June 1990 |
Succeeded by Henri Pérignon |
Oldest undisputedly recorded man ever 3 January 1990 – 18 November 1992 |
Succeeded by Frederick L. Frazier |
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Preceded by John Mosely Turner |
Oldest man from the United Kingdom 27 May 1989 – 29 March 2009 |
Succeeded by Henry Allingham |
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