September 24, 1880, marked the birth of Sarah DeRemer Clark in Hollywood, Pennsylvania, beginning a life that would span three centuries of American history. As a documented supercentenarian, she reached the age of 119 years and 97 days, securing her status as the longest-lived individual recorded in the United States.
Early Life and Family Background
Born to Walter and Amelia Clark, Sarah was the third of seven siblings. Her formative years were spent in the coal mining region of Pennsylvania, and her family later relocated to South Bethlehem in the Lehigh Valley. In 1901, at the age of 20, she married Abraham Lincoln Knauss. The couple remained together until his death in 1965 at the age of 86. Their only child, Kathryn, was born in 1903 and lived to be 101.
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Knauss attained national prominence in longevity on November 30, 1997, after surpassing the final age of Delphia Welford. By April 16, 1998, following the death of Marie-Louise Meilleur, she was recognized as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records. Her records were meticulously vetted through census documentation, including data from 1890. She remains the third-oldest verified person in history.
Later Years in Allentown
At age 111, Knauss entered a nursing home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Although she required medical intervention for low haemoglobin at 117 and maintained a regimen of heart medication, she was described by staff as exceptionally friendly. Her family noted her sharp mind, which allowed for consistent conversation with her daughter until the final stages of her life. In February 1999, she was photographed by Life magazine with six living generations of her family.
Lifestyle and Final Days
Knauss attributed her longevity to hard work, remaining busy, and avoiding unnecessary stress. She was a non-smoker who maintained a healthy weight throughout her life, though she famously preferred sweets over vegetables. She died of natural causes on December 30, 1999. Following her passing, she was interred at Grandview Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1880, Hollywood, Pennsylvania
- Died: 1999, Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Age at death: 119 years, 97 days
- Spouse: Abraham Lincoln Knauss
- Child: Kathryn (1903–2005)
- World's oldest living person: 1998–1999
- Burial site: Grandview Cemetery
- Citizenship: United States
Questions readers ask
How was Sarah Knauss's age verified?
Her age was verified through multiple independent records, including data from the 1890 United States Census.
Did Knauss have any medical conditions?
She received heart medication and blood transfusions for low haemoglobin in her later years, but she was generally considered to be of sound mind and free of specific illnesses until her natural death.
