Scientists & Inventors · 18th Century
Benjamin Franklin’s Last Words
“A dying man can do nothing easy.”— Benjamin Franklin, April 17, 1790
Who Was Benjamin Franklin?
Benjamin Franklin was a polymath who made major contributions to science (electricity), diplomacy (securing French alliance in the Revolution), literature, and political thought as a Founding Father.
The Final Moments
Franklin's last words were spoken when his daughter suggested he change his position in bed to make breathing easier. He shifted, spoke these words, and died two hours later.
Are These Words Verified?
Reported by his daughter Sarah Bache who was present at his bedside in Philadelphia. The account appears in family letters written shortly after his death and is widely accepted as authentic.
Sources
- firsthand Sarah Bache (daughter) firsthand account
- archive Contemporary letters from household
- biography Walter Isaacson 'Benjamin Franklin: An American Life'
Legacy
Franklin's face on the $100 bill and his numerous inventions and writings secure his place as one of America's most beloved Founding Fathers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Benjamin Franklin’s last words?
“A dying man can do nothing easy.”
How did Benjamin Franklin die?
Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84. Cause of death: Pleuritis.
Were Benjamin Franklin’s last words documented?
Reported by his daughter Sarah Bache who was present at his bedside in Philadelphia. The account appears in family letters written shortly after his death and is widely accepted as authentic.
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