This is especially true of historical figures for which final words both humanize them and add to their mythology.
After serving two terms as the nation’s first president, Washington retired to his Virginia plantation in 1797.
Congestive heart failureis believed to have been the cause of Adams' death.
Chris Raymond
Jefferson’s last words are often cited as “Is it the Fourth?”
in reference to the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
While Jefferson did, in fact, utter those words on his deathbed, they were not his last.
Jefferson was reported to have died of complications ofkidney failureaccompanied bypneumonia.
But I am composed."
The second eldest child of John Adams died of astrokein Washington, D.C. For all eternity, I love you."
Taylor died of complications fromgastroenteritisat the age of 65.
Some say his last words were, “It doesn’t really matter.”
He was shot a short time later.
I need no doctor.
I can overcome my own troubles."
Johnson died of a stroke soon after at the age of 66.
Grant was suffering fromthroat cancerat the time of his death at age 63.
Go on, read some more."
Harding is believed to have died of congestive heart failure.
Roosevelt was reported to have died of astrokeorintracerebral hemorrhageshortly after.
I’m ready to go.
God, take me."
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2008;74(8):770-774.
Pinals RS.Theodore Roosevelt’s inflammatory rheumatism.J Clin Rheumatol.
2008;14(1):41-44. doi:10.1097/RHU.0b013e3181639ad0
