Simone Lawson
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. He was one of 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention, representing 12 states, who endorsed the Constitution. Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States, was a strong supporter of the Constitution despite its imperfections. He famously said, I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Benjamin Franklin signed the Constitution | 1787 |
| Date the Constitution was signed | 17th of September, 1787 |
| Age when Benjamin Franklin signed the Constitution | 81 |
| Location the Constitution was signed | Independence Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Number of delegates who signed the Constitution | 39 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution at 81 years old
- He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, peace with Britain, and the Constitution
- He was one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States
- He was the first signer to die, in April 1790
- He was pleased with the work of the delegates and proudly signed the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the US Constitution at 81 years old
On September 17, 1787, Franklin, at 81 years old and in poor health, delivered a speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was his last major moment in the spotlight of American history. The convention, which took place over four months, was attended by 55 delegates, with 39 signing the Constitution. Franklin's speech, read by James Wilson, strongly endorsed the Constitution despite its imperfections. He stated, "I agree to this constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us...Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Franklin's address aimed to convince the three delegates who refused to sign—Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry—to abandon their opposition. He acknowledged that there were parts of the Constitution he did not approve of but expressed his willingness to change his opinions based on better information or fuller consideration. Franklin's influence led to the Constitution being endorsed by the delegates as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present. This unique signing format, suggested by Gouverneur Morris, allowed the delegates to affirm their states' approval of the Constitution rather than their personal support.
Benjamin Franklin's signature on the US Constitution at 81 years old marked the culmination of his decades-long dedication to American politics and statecraft. He passed away in April 1790, becoming the first signer of the Constitution to die.
The Constitution's Slate Signature: A Historical Perspective
You may want to see also
He was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, Treaty of Paris, peace with Britain, and the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin was the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, peace with Britain, and the Constitution. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and played a crucial role in the rebellion against Great Britain.
Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17, 1706. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. He was also the United States' first postmaster general, appointed to this position in 1751. In 1775, he was elected to the Continental Congress, where he played a significant part in the American Revolution, which began that year and continued until 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris.
In 1776, Franklin was seventy years old when he was appointed to a group tasked with creating the Declaration of Independence. He primarily served as the editor of the document, with Thomas Jefferson as the primary author. The final document was passed on July 2, 1776, and ratified on July 4, 1776.
Franklin also signed the Treaty of Alliance with France in 1778 and the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which officially ended the American Revolution. He was instrumental in preliminary peace talks with Britain in 1782, insisting that loyalists who had borne arms against the United States be excluded from the general pardon.
Finally, Franklin signed the United States Constitution in 1787. At 81 years old, he was the oldest signer of the document. Franklin strongly endorsed the Constitution despite its imperfections, hoping to gain the support of critics and create a sense of common accord. He is considered one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States, with his likeness adorning the American $100 bill since 1914.
Existing Debts: Post-Constitution Signed Fate
You may want to see also
He was one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States
Benjamin Franklin was one of the leading Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. He was also the only person to sign the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Alliance with France, the Treaty of Paris, and the US Constitution.
Franklin was born in the Province of Massachusetts Bay in 1706 and became a successful newspaper editor and printer in Philadelphia, publishing 'The Pennsylvania Gazette' at age 23. He became wealthy from his printing business but devoted the remainder of his life to civic improvements and governmental affairs. He was one of the world's foremost inventors and scientists in the 1700s, making significant discoveries that improved the lives of many.
Franklin earned the title "The First American" for his early and passionate campaigning for colonial unity. He was also the first postmaster general and played a crucial role in securing America's independence from England. He was recalled to America by Congress in 1785 and arrived in Philadelphia, revered as one of the nation's greatest patriots.
On September 17, 1787, Franklin, at 81 years old, gave a farewell speech at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Despite the Constitution's imperfections, he accepted and signed it, stating:
> "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them." [...] I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us [...] Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Franklin's influence in the early history of the nation and his legacy of scientific and political achievements have been honoured for over two centuries. His likeness adorns American $100 bills, and he has been commemorated in the names of warships, towns, counties, educational institutions, and corporations, as well as in numerous cultural references.
Signs of Politics: Defining Political Signage
You may want to see also
Explore related products
He was the first signer to die, in April 1790
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the United States Constitution, at 81 years old. He signed the document on September 17, 1787, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Franklin was one of 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who endorsed the Constitution.
Despite his advanced age and poor health, Franklin played an active role in the Constitutional Convention. On the final day of the convention, he delivered an address strongly endorsing the Constitution, despite its imperfections. In his speech, Franklin noted:
> "I agree to this constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us... Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
Franklin also proposed that the Constitution be endorsed by the delegates as individual witnesses of the unanimous consent of the states present. This proposal was accepted, and the signers subscribed their names as witnesses to the convention's proceedings, rather than on behalf of their respective states.
Sadly, Franklin was the first signer of the Constitution to pass away, dying in April 1790, just under three years after signing the document.
Men Who Signed Both: Declaration and Constitution
You may want to see also
He was pleased with the work of the delegates and proudly signed the Constitution
Benjamin Franklin, aged 81, was the oldest person to sign the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787. He was one of the 39 delegates to the Constitutional Convention who signed the document.
Franklin was pleased with the work of the delegates and proudly signed the Constitution. In his farewell speech at the convention, which was read by James Wilson, he noted:
> "I agree to this constitution with all its faults, if they are such; because I think a general government necessary for us…Thus, I consent, sir, to this constitution, because I expect no better, and because I am not sure that it is not the best."
He further added:
> "I confess that there are several parts of this constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them. For having lived long, I have experienced many instances of being obliged by better information, or fuller consideration, to change opinions even on important subjects, which I once thought right, but found to be otherwise."
Franklin's signature on the Constitution was a significant moment in American history, marking the end of his long and influential career in shaping the nation. He was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, known for his early and unwavering support for colonial unity, and his signature on the Constitution was a powerful endorsement of the nation's unity and future direction.
The Constitution and Thomas Mifflin: A Signature Mystery
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ben Franklin signed the Constitution on September 17, 1787.
Ben Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the Constitution. He was the oldest person to sign the document.
Yes, Ben Franklin did have some reservations about the Constitution. In a speech delivered by James Wilson, he stated: "There are several parts of this Constitution which I do not at present approve, but I am not sure I shall never approve them."
![Founding Fathers [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f9-HsS5nL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
