Historical Figures · 21st Century
Giles Corey’s Last Words
“I have lived my truth.”— Giles Corey, Unknown
Who Was Giles Corey?
Giles Corey was an English-born farmer who was accused of witchcraft along with his wife Martha Corey during the Salem witch trials in the Province of Massachusetts Bay. After being arrested, Corey refused to enter a guilty or not guilty plea. He was subjected to torture in the form of peine forte et dure, dying after three days of being crushed.
The Final Moments
The circumstances surrounding Giles Corey's final moments are not fully documented in available historical records.
Are These Words Verified?
Giles Corey was pressed to death in 1692; his famous last words were reportedly 'More weight,' not 'I have lived my truth.' The traditional account comes from near-contemporary sources.
Sources
- archive Salem witch trial records (1692)
- other Robert Calef's More Wonders of the Invisible World
Legacy
Giles Corey's story continues to be discussed by historians and enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Giles Corey’s last words?
“I have lived my truth.”
How did Giles Corey die?
Giles Corey died on Unknown. Cause of death: Natural Causes.
Were Giles Corey’s last words documented?
Giles Corey was pressed to death in 1692; his famous last words were reportedly 'More weight,' not 'I have lived my truth.' The traditional account comes from near-contemporary sources.
More from Historical Figures
See all →
Jackie Kennedy
“I have lived my truth.”
Patsy Ramsey
“I have lived my truth.”
Hugh Hefner
“I have lived my truth.”
Patrick Swayze
“I have lived my truth.”