He is my husband's Great Grandfather
This is CHARLES "JEREMIAH" BATES, son of Joseph Hobart Bates and Lavina "Tonok" (Jennings) Bates.
The family does not know why he changed his name. He went by Charles H. Bates
Although he stated that his birthdate was 25 December 1854, he was actually born in 1867.
Was it for the notoriety that he kept up this farce?
He was living in Lebanon County from 1870-1910. In1920 he appears in the Berks County, Reading, PA
When his brother-Peter Martin Bates Sr. died, in his obituary it shows 3 brothers surviving, one of which is "Jeremiah" in Reading, PA." There is NO Jeremiah shown living in Reading in 1933. This is Charles H. Bates.
On Charle's death certificate is shows his parents as: Joseph Bates and Lavina Jennings!!!
According to his "tales' he lived to be 106 years old. When he was actually 94 years old, which is still a ripe old age.
Here are but a few of the newspaper writing about him:
1958, December 26- Article in "Reading Eagle", Reading, PA. by Staff Writer, John J. Hilferty:
"Charley Bates, 104, Weighs Life in Home"
Independent Charley Bates believed to be Americas oldest Christmas baby is about to conform to society.
He was 104 years old yesterday. "I had a wonderful dinner", he said after he returned to his small one-room home in the back yard of 117 N. Front St.
He has lived there alone for 24 years. Until now he has refused to move. In 1941, he was 88 and tried to join the Army. He tried in World War I too, when he was 65.
It was just about 5 years ago that he retired from Tin Smithing. During World War II in his 80s, he set a record for consecutive days as an airplane spotter and used to carry a shotgun to ward off saboteurs.
"I should not be alone, I know it," he said yesterday after he returned from Christmas dinner at the home of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. LeRoy Zieber, 641 Clinton St.
"Doctors advised me I shouldn't be alone at night," he said, with severity of truth. He said his friends and relatives want him to go "to one of those old folks homes or the Heim."
A few weeks ago, two representatives of the Berks County Institution District urged Charley to give up living alone.
"I told them to go away until after New Year's," he declared. "I told them I want to think it over."
Born in Shenandoah
That's the story of Charles H. Bates life. He was born in Shenandoah in 1854. His parents died when he was an infant and he has been fantastically self reliant since youth. His wife, Emma L., died in 1906. They had eight children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Even though Charley said he is ready to consider going to an old folks home, when the decision is made, he'll make it himself.
He does his own cooking on an ancient coal stove, on which he relies on for warmth. His home is cramped. He sleeps on a day bed, which, with a rocking chair and bureau, fill one side of the room. Next to the bureau stands a pre-World War floor-model radio which still works. (Today- April 2007-This radio has been refurbished, and belongs to his great, great grandson, Richard Samuel Bates, who lives in Kentucky). A kitchen chair painted bright red, a tiny table cluttered with medicine bottles and an oil lamp that Charley burn as a night light, and a refrigerator take up the other side of the room.
He has barely enough room to walk around, but his place is warm and snug, and he loves it. One wall is covered with framed pictures and citations---from former President Harry S. Truman and former Gov. Edward Marlin---Commending him for his World War II efforts.
Missed Casting Vote
Probably the most disappointing thing that happened to Charley Bates this year is that he didn't get to vote. He's a red hot Democrat and counts among his most pleasurable moments the occasion of Gov. George H. Earl's inauguration in 1935, when at the age of 80, Charley marched in the parade in Harrisburg that ended 44 years of Republican rule.
"I wanted to vote this year but I can't get around much by myself and there wasn't anybody to take me up to the polls," he said. There's a possibility Charley Bates has voted in more elections than any living American citizen.
Charley attributes his long, full life to total abstinence from liquor and tobacco. He still arises early--- 6:30 a.m. ---and takes short walks. "I take exercise. I don't loaf."
"The good Lord is my doctor and takes care of me," he said, "Be honest and truthful and he'll take care of you."
There is a photo of Charles holding his Bible, the caption reads: Charles H. Bates, 117 N. Front St., was 104 years old yesterday. He hold and old Bible that he says is his biggest comfort and has a fierce determination to stay independent
This is CHARLES "JEREMIAH" BATES, son of Joseph Hobart Bates and Lavina "Tonok" (Jennings) Bates.
The family does not know why he changed his name. He went by Charles H. Bates
Although he stated that his birthdate was 25 December 1854, he was actually born in 1867.
Was it for the notoriety that he kept up this farce?
He was living in Lebanon County from 1870-1910. In1920 he appears in the Berks County, Reading, PA
When his brother-Peter Martin Bates Sr. died, in his obituary it shows 3 brothers surviving, one of which is "Jeremiah" in Reading, PA." There is NO Jeremiah shown living in Reading in 1933. This is Charles H. Bates.
On Charle's death certificate is shows his parents as: Joseph Bates and Lavina Jennings!!!
According to his "tales' he lived to be 106 years old. When he was actually 94 years old, which is still a ripe old age.
Here are but a few of the newspaper writing about him:
1958, December 26- Article in "Reading Eagle", Reading, PA. by Staff Writer, John J. Hilferty:
"Charley Bates, 104, Weighs Life in Home"
Independent Charley Bates believed to be Americas oldest Christmas baby is about to conform to society.
He was 104 years old yesterday. "I had a wonderful dinner", he said after he returned to his small one-room home in the back yard of 117 N. Front St.
He has lived there alone for 24 years. Until now he has refused to move. In 1941, he was 88 and tried to join the Army. He tried in World War I too, when he was 65.
It was just about 5 years ago that he retired from Tin Smithing. During World War II in his 80s, he set a record for consecutive days as an airplane spotter and used to carry a shotgun to ward off saboteurs.
"I should not be alone, I know it," he said yesterday after he returned from Christmas dinner at the home of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. LeRoy Zieber, 641 Clinton St.
"Doctors advised me I shouldn't be alone at night," he said, with severity of truth. He said his friends and relatives want him to go "to one of those old folks homes or the Heim."
A few weeks ago, two representatives of the Berks County Institution District urged Charley to give up living alone.
"I told them to go away until after New Year's," he declared. "I told them I want to think it over."
Born in Shenandoah
That's the story of Charles H. Bates life. He was born in Shenandoah in 1854. His parents died when he was an infant and he has been fantastically self reliant since youth. His wife, Emma L., died in 1906. They had eight children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Even though Charley said he is ready to consider going to an old folks home, when the decision is made, he'll make it himself.
He does his own cooking on an ancient coal stove, on which he relies on for warmth. His home is cramped. He sleeps on a day bed, which, with a rocking chair and bureau, fill one side of the room. Next to the bureau stands a pre-World War floor-model radio which still works. (Today- April 2007-This radio has been refurbished, and belongs to his great, great grandson, Richard Samuel Bates, who lives in Kentucky). A kitchen chair painted bright red, a tiny table cluttered with medicine bottles and an oil lamp that Charley burn as a night light, and a refrigerator take up the other side of the room.
He has barely enough room to walk around, but his place is warm and snug, and he loves it. One wall is covered with framed pictures and citations---from former President Harry S. Truman and former Gov. Edward Marlin---Commending him for his World War II efforts.
Missed Casting Vote
Probably the most disappointing thing that happened to Charley Bates this year is that he didn't get to vote. He's a red hot Democrat and counts among his most pleasurable moments the occasion of Gov. George H. Earl's inauguration in 1935, when at the age of 80, Charley marched in the parade in Harrisburg that ended 44 years of Republican rule.
"I wanted to vote this year but I can't get around much by myself and there wasn't anybody to take me up to the polls," he said. There's a possibility Charley Bates has voted in more elections than any living American citizen.
Charley attributes his long, full life to total abstinence from liquor and tobacco. He still arises early--- 6:30 a.m. ---and takes short walks. "I take exercise. I don't loaf."
"The good Lord is my doctor and takes care of me," he said, "Be honest and truthful and he'll take care of you."
There is a photo of Charles holding his Bible, the caption reads: Charles H. Bates, 117 N. Front St., was 104 years old yesterday. He hold and old Bible that he says is his biggest comfort and has a fierce determination to stay independent
He is my husband's Great Grandfather
This is CHARLES "JEREMIAH" BATES, son of Joseph Hobart Bates and Lavina "Tonok" (Jennings) Bates.
The family does not know why he changed his name. He went by Charles H. Bates
Although he stated that his birthdate was 25 December 1854, he was actually born in 1867.
Was it for the notoriety that he kept up this farce?
He was living in Lebanon County from 1870-1910. In1920 he appears in the Berks County, Reading, PA
When his brother-Peter Martin Bates Sr. died, in his obituary it shows 3 brothers surviving, one of which is "Jeremiah" in Reading, PA." There is NO Jeremiah shown living in Reading in 1933. This is Charles H. Bates.
On Charle's death certificate is shows his parents as: Joseph Bates and Lavina Jennings!!!
According to his "tales' he lived to be 106 years old. When he was actually 94 years old, which is still a ripe old age.
Here are but a few of the newspaper writing about him:
1958, December 26- Article in "Reading Eagle", Reading, PA. by Staff Writer, John J. Hilferty:
"Charley Bates, 104, Weighs Life in Home"
Independent Charley Bates believed to be Americas oldest Christmas baby is about to conform to society.
He was 104 years old yesterday. "I had a wonderful dinner", he said after he returned to his small one-room home in the back yard of 117 N. Front St.
He has lived there alone for 24 years. Until now he has refused to move. In 1941, he was 88 and tried to join the Army. He tried in World War I too, when he was 65.
It was just about 5 years ago that he retired from Tin Smithing. During World War II in his 80s, he set a record for consecutive days as an airplane spotter and used to carry a shotgun to ward off saboteurs.
"I should not be alone, I know it," he said yesterday after he returned from Christmas dinner at the home of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. LeRoy Zieber, 641 Clinton St.
"Doctors advised me I shouldn't be alone at night," he said, with severity of truth. He said his friends and relatives want him to go "to one of those old folks homes or the Heim."
A few weeks ago, two representatives of the Berks County Institution District urged Charley to give up living alone.
"I told them to go away until after New Year's," he declared. "I told them I want to think it over."
Born in Shenandoah
That's the story of Charles H. Bates life. He was born in Shenandoah in 1854. His parents died when he was an infant and he has been fantastically self reliant since youth. His wife, Emma L., died in 1906. They had eight children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Even though Charley said he is ready to consider going to an old folks home, when the decision is made, he'll make it himself.
He does his own cooking on an ancient coal stove, on which he relies on for warmth. His home is cramped. He sleeps on a day bed, which, with a rocking chair and bureau, fill one side of the room. Next to the bureau stands a pre-World War floor-model radio which still works. (Today- April 2007-This radio has been refurbished, and belongs to his great, great grandson, Richard Samuel Bates, who lives in Kentucky). A kitchen chair painted bright red, a tiny table cluttered with medicine bottles and an oil lamp that Charley burn as a night light, and a refrigerator take up the other side of the room.
He has barely enough room to walk around, but his place is warm and snug, and he loves it. One wall is covered with framed pictures and citations---from former President Harry S. Truman and former Gov. Edward Marlin---Commending him for his World War II efforts.
Missed Casting Vote
Probably the most disappointing thing that happened to Charley Bates this year is that he didn't get to vote. He's a red hot Democrat and counts among his most pleasurable moments the occasion of Gov. George H. Earl's inauguration in 1935, when at the age of 80, Charley marched in the parade in Harrisburg that ended 44 years of Republican rule.
"I wanted to vote this year but I can't get around much by myself and there wasn't anybody to take me up to the polls," he said. There's a possibility Charley Bates has voted in more elections than any living American citizen.
Charley attributes his long, full life to total abstinence from liquor and tobacco. He still arises early--- 6:30 a.m. ---and takes short walks. "I take exercise. I don't loaf."
"The good Lord is my doctor and takes care of me," he said, "Be honest and truthful and he'll take care of you."
There is a photo of Charles holding his Bible, the caption reads: Charles H. Bates, 117 N. Front St., was 104 years old yesterday. He hold and old Bible that he says is his biggest comfort and has a fierce determination to stay independent
This is CHARLES "JEREMIAH" BATES, son of Joseph Hobart Bates and Lavina "Tonok" (Jennings) Bates.
The family does not know why he changed his name. He went by Charles H. Bates
Although he stated that his birthdate was 25 December 1854, he was actually born in 1867.
Was it for the notoriety that he kept up this farce?
He was living in Lebanon County from 1870-1910. In1920 he appears in the Berks County, Reading, PA
When his brother-Peter Martin Bates Sr. died, in his obituary it shows 3 brothers surviving, one of which is "Jeremiah" in Reading, PA." There is NO Jeremiah shown living in Reading in 1933. This is Charles H. Bates.
On Charle's death certificate is shows his parents as: Joseph Bates and Lavina Jennings!!!
According to his "tales' he lived to be 106 years old. When he was actually 94 years old, which is still a ripe old age.
Here are but a few of the newspaper writing about him:
1958, December 26- Article in "Reading Eagle", Reading, PA. by Staff Writer, John J. Hilferty:
"Charley Bates, 104, Weighs Life in Home"
Independent Charley Bates believed to be Americas oldest Christmas baby is about to conform to society.
He was 104 years old yesterday. "I had a wonderful dinner", he said after he returned to his small one-room home in the back yard of 117 N. Front St.
He has lived there alone for 24 years. Until now he has refused to move. In 1941, he was 88 and tried to join the Army. He tried in World War I too, when he was 65.
It was just about 5 years ago that he retired from Tin Smithing. During World War II in his 80s, he set a record for consecutive days as an airplane spotter and used to carry a shotgun to ward off saboteurs.
"I should not be alone, I know it," he said yesterday after he returned from Christmas dinner at the home of his great-granddaughter, Mrs. LeRoy Zieber, 641 Clinton St.
"Doctors advised me I shouldn't be alone at night," he said, with severity of truth. He said his friends and relatives want him to go "to one of those old folks homes or the Heim."
A few weeks ago, two representatives of the Berks County Institution District urged Charley to give up living alone.
"I told them to go away until after New Year's," he declared. "I told them I want to think it over."
Born in Shenandoah
That's the story of Charles H. Bates life. He was born in Shenandoah in 1854. His parents died when he was an infant and he has been fantastically self reliant since youth. His wife, Emma L., died in 1906. They had eight children and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Even though Charley said he is ready to consider going to an old folks home, when the decision is made, he'll make it himself.
He does his own cooking on an ancient coal stove, on which he relies on for warmth. His home is cramped. He sleeps on a day bed, which, with a rocking chair and bureau, fill one side of the room. Next to the bureau stands a pre-World War floor-model radio which still works. (Today- April 2007-This radio has been refurbished, and belongs to his great, great grandson, Richard Samuel Bates, who lives in Kentucky). A kitchen chair painted bright red, a tiny table cluttered with medicine bottles and an oil lamp that Charley burn as a night light, and a refrigerator take up the other side of the room.
He has barely enough room to walk around, but his place is warm and snug, and he loves it. One wall is covered with framed pictures and citations---from former President Harry S. Truman and former Gov. Edward Marlin---Commending him for his World War II efforts.
Missed Casting Vote
Probably the most disappointing thing that happened to Charley Bates this year is that he didn't get to vote. He's a red hot Democrat and counts among his most pleasurable moments the occasion of Gov. George H. Earl's inauguration in 1935, when at the age of 80, Charley marched in the parade in Harrisburg that ended 44 years of Republican rule.
"I wanted to vote this year but I can't get around much by myself and there wasn't anybody to take me up to the polls," he said. There's a possibility Charley Bates has voted in more elections than any living American citizen.
Charley attributes his long, full life to total abstinence from liquor and tobacco. He still arises early--- 6:30 a.m. ---and takes short walks. "I take exercise. I don't loaf."
"The good Lord is my doctor and takes care of me," he said, "Be honest and truthful and he'll take care of you."
There is a photo of Charles holding his Bible, the caption reads: Charles H. Bates, 117 N. Front St., was 104 years old yesterday. He hold and old Bible that he says is his biggest comfort and has a fierce determination to stay independent
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