Old Gabriel was believed to be the oldest living person in the world before his death in 1890. Although his exact age could not be verified, some accounts claimed that he was nearly 151 years old. Old Gabriel’s picture hangs in the Vatican and he is credited as the oldest living person in the civilized world during that time. Old Gabriel claims that he was present when Father Junipero Serra landed in Monterey in 1770 and that he was baptized by Father Serra. Old Gabriel said he was already a grandfather at that time. During his life, Old Gabriel had seven wives and out lived them all. At Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo, Old Gabriel became a skilled mason and stone cutter. He helped to build Mission San Carlos Borromeo De Carmelo, Mission San Antonio and Mission Soledad. Old Gabriel lived much of his life in Soledad and other parts of Monterey County. It Happened in Soledad: A History of Soledad and the Surrounding Areas (p. 11)