elizabeth bolden was verified in april 2005 as being the oldest documented resident of the united states since the death of emma verona johnston the previous december. prior to this, bettie wilson, had been the oldest known american. after the death of hendrikje van andel on august 30, 2005, she was thought to be the world's oldest living person until december 9, 2005, when maría capovilla was authenticated as older. she became the oldest living person following capovilla's death on august 27, 2006. this was officially confirmed on september 17, 2006, by guinness world records.