In 1906, the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution allowing women the right to vote had not yet been ratified. 110 years later, the first woman has been nominated president of the United States by a major political party.

Marietta resident Mary Niceswanger has lived to see this momentous occasion, as well as many others, since she was born in a log cabin in Morgan County in August 1906. But politics doesn’t much appeal to her.

“I think it’s really the lesser of two evils with this election,” Mary said. “I really think God is trying to tell us something.”

On his farm, Mary’s father, Fred McInturf, raised cattle, sheep, chickens and pigs. Mary had a pet pig named Faye. Her mother, Carrie, raised the children: five girls and six boys. Both of her parents lived well into their 80s.

“They always worked so hard; we always had enough to eat and they took good care of us,” Mary said.

The actual date of Mary’s birth has been disputed over the years, according to friend Cora Marshall, of Lower Salem, but the reason to honor such a milestone is never in dispute.

“We celebrated her birthday this past Saturday but her birthday is on Aug. 6 because her birth certificate says (so) … Mary’s parents and Mary always celebrated her birthday on the 2nd. Yes it’s confusing, but Mary is 110,” Marshall explained.

The revelation came when Mary was getting documents together to take a plane trip -her first – to visit her ailing daughter in Florida.

Mary Niceswanger still lives in the same home she has lived in for more than 50 years. She still cooks for herself and tries to maintain a regular 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. routine.

“I guess I am most grateful that I still have my right mind,” Mary said.

She has outlived all of her 11 siblings, the last one to pass being Ruby McPherson, who died in March at age 94. Yvonne Barth, her only child with husband Leonard, died in 2010. Leonard’s death preceded his daughter’s by 38 years. Remaining family includes son-in-law Melvin Barth; two grandsons and two great-granddaughters, as well as nieces and nephews.

She also has many friends.

“Mary has been coming to church for a long time,” said Roger Rush, pastor of the Church of Christ at Sixth and Washington streets. “I’ve been here for 31 years and she was here well before me. She still tries to come three times a week when she can.”

A large group of family and friends gathered at the church recently to recognize Mary Niceswanger’s birthday and Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews issued a proclamation declaring the day “Mary Niceswanger Day.” There was even a fire truck.

“I told the fire department, 110 candles is pretty dangerous so we’d better have you standing by,” joked Rush.

But Mary doesn’t understand all the fuss and non-stop flower delivery.

“I hope now it will finally all die down,” she said.