N.Y. woman is oldest U.S.-born person

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., Sept. 12 (UPI) -- A 114-year-old woman in Williamsville, N.Y., is the oldest person born in the United States, the Gerontology Research Group says.

The research group said Olivia Patricia "Pat" Thomas earned the honor after 115-year-old Gertrude Baines of Los Angeles died Friday, The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported Saturday.

In addition to being tabbed the oldest person born in the United States, Thomas holds the distinction of being the second-oldest living American.

The current holder of the oldest living American crown is New Hampshire resident Mary Josephine Ray, 114, who was born in Canada. The world's oldest person is Kama Chinen of Japan, another 114-year-old woman who was born May 10, 1895, a week before Ray.

Charlene Youknut, director of the St. Francis Home where Thomas lives, told the News a party will be thrown to honor the record holder, who was born June 29, 1895.

"We're thrilled," Youknut said. "It's just absolutely remarkable to be a part of history, to have someone living with us who predates the Pan-American Exposition … . She really is from the horse-and-buggy, gaslight era."