Alexander Baptiste dhau mus rau 100

Nyob rau lub Cuaj hlis 15, 1919, St. Louis pej xeem sawv los nyeem txog tus tuag ntawm ib tug ntawm lawv cov pej xeem hiob, Alexander Baptiste. Yog ob peb lub hlis ua ntej nws 101st los yog 102nd xyoos nyob ntawm qhov twg koj ntseeg tau tias, Alexander Baptiste kis kom deb ntawm cov hnyuv mob hauv cov hnyuv.

Lub xyoo, Alexander twb hu ua ib qhov fittest St. Louisans. An early advocate of physical culture (physical fitness in the 1800s), Alexander Batiste lifted weights, performed gymnastics and walked long distances. Even as he entered his 100th year, Alexander Baptiste walked from his home in the 3900 block of Page Avenue to his office at 612 North Third Street.

Baptiste worked out every morning for 30 feeb los yog li, ate breakfast and walked the 3 and half miles to the Baptiste Tent and Awning Company. After work, Baptiste would walk back home. He passed his love of fitness onto his son George Baptiste. George Baptise was not only a professional wrestler but also a gifted swimmer, who saved several people from drowning.

The summer before he passed away, Alexander Baptiste returned from the Clayton Office and decided to pick up a 250 pound piece of iron with one hand despite being 99 xyoo. His office workers were in awe of his physical abilities.

Baptiste would occasionally perform such feats of strength to show how you could maintain your health and fitness despite your age.

The Baptiste family enjoyed long lives. Alexander Baptiste’s father Stephen lived to be around 115 xyoo. Alexander Baptiste intended to surpass his father’s longevity but felt worn down in November 1918. He left St. Louis rau lub kaum ib hlis 11, 1918 for California, where he stayed until June 1919.

Alexander Baptiste returned to St. Louis and started to take up his old routine. Txawm li cas los, he felt genuinely ill for the first time in early September 1919. Ob peb lim piam tom qab, he died on September 14, 1919. His death certificate said he was born on November 9, 1818. If this date is correct, he was less than 2 months shy of his 101 birthday when he died.

Alexander’s son George intended to match his grandfather and father for longevity. He too maintained a daily exercise regimen. Looking at his athletic accomplishments, he had as good chance as anyone to live to a 100 xyoo. But would he achieve his 100th year?

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Qhov chaw: St. Louis Star-zaug, Cuaj hlis 15, 1919 ib tsab, p. 3 thiab St. Louis Dispatch tom qab, Cuaj hlis 16, 1919 ib tsab, p. 24. Missouri tuag ntawv Database

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