Leaders & Politicians · 19th Century
William McKinley’s Last Words
“It is God's way. His will be done, not ours.”— William McKinley, September 14, 1901
Who Was William McKinley?
William McKinley was the 25th President who led the United States to victory in the Spanish-American War and oversaw the acquisition of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
The Final Moments
McKinley was shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. He initially seemed to be recovering but died eight days later from gangrene.
Are These Words Verified?
His wife and physicians documented his final words. Some sources also record him saying 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' (a hymn), but this quote is consistently reported across sources.
Sources
- firsthand Wife Ida McKinley testimony
- archive Attending physicians' notes
- newspaper Contemporary press accounts 1901
Legacy
McKinley's assassination made Theodore Roosevelt president, changing the course of American history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were William McKinley’s last words?
“It is God's way. His will be done, not ours.”
How did William McKinley die?
William McKinley died on September 14, 1901 at the age of 58. Cause of death: Assassination — gangrene from gunshot wound.
Were William McKinley’s last words documented?
His wife and physicians documented his final words. Some sources also record him saying 'Nearer, My God, to Thee' (a hymn), but this quote is consistently reported across sources.
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