June 19, 1898: Oldest Inhabitant of Berks County Dies at 102

By Margaret Leidy Harner from her book One Day at a Time: A Social History of Boyertown, PA.

June 19, 1898: Born during the presidency of George Washington, on August 13, 1796, the oldest inhabitant of Berks County has died. More than 1000 people attended the burial of Betsy Trout today in the Hill Church graveyard.

Betsy Minninger was married to Samuel Trout and they had two children, Jeremiah and Mary Ann. The family lived in a little log house in Earl Township. Samuel apparently died at a young age, and their son Jeremiah died at the age of 61.

Betsy and Mary Ann continued to farm their 10 acres, which were reportedly very productive, until advancing g age prevented them from producing their usual crops. Mother and daughter seldom left their home, with only occasional trips to Boyertown, and Betsy once visited Reading.

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