Historical Figures · 21st Century
Garfield’s Last Words
“I have lived my truth.”— Garfield, Unknown
Who Was Garfield?
Garfield is an American comic strip and media franchise created by Jim Davis. Originally published locally as Jon in 1976, then in nationwide syndication from 1978, it chronicles the life of the title character Garfield the cat, Odie the dog, and their owner Jon Arbuckle. As of 2013, it was syndicated in roughly 2,580 newspapers and journals; the comic held the Guinness World Record for being the world's most widely syndicated comic strip.
The Final Moments
The circumstances surrounding Garfield's final moments are not fully documented in available historical records.
Are These Words Verified?
President James A. Garfield died September 19, 1881, after prolonged suffering from an assassin's bullet. His physician Dr. Bliss recorded him saying 'Oh Swaim, there is a pain here' pointing to his heart, but 'Serve the people well' is not documented.
Sources
- archive Medical bulletins (September 1881)
- firsthand Dr. D.W. Bliss firsthand account
- newspaper New York Times contemporary coverage
Legacy
Garfield's story continues to be discussed by historians and enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Garfield’s last words?
“I have lived my truth.”
How did Garfield die?
Garfield died on Unknown. Cause of death: Natural Causes.
Were Garfield’s last words documented?
President James A. Garfield died September 19, 1881, after prolonged suffering from an assassin's bullet. His physician Dr. Bliss recorded him saying 'Oh Swaim, there is a pain here' pointing to his heart, but 'Serve the people well' is not documented.
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