{"id":9546,"date":"2015-02-03T17:01:47","date_gmt":"2015-02-03T17:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=9546"},"modified":"2026-04-09T07:48:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T11:48:12","slug":"what-were-your-ancestors-last-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/what-were-your-ancestors-last-words.html","title":{"rendered":"What Were Your Ancestor\u2019s Last Words?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article, Mary Harrell-Sesniak takes a fascinating look at some of the last words people said before they died \u2013 both famous and not-so-famous. Mary is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

When a person breathes their last, the grieving often ask: \u201cWhat were his or her last words?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

For some people in these final cherished moments of life, their dying wish is to impart memorable quotes or words of wisdom to those left behind. These last words are great fun to read and contemplate.<\/p>\n

Many are quoted in newspapers, so if you are lucky you might find your ancestor\u2019s last words.<\/p>\n

Religious Expressions<\/strong><\/p>\n

Many obituaries report the deceased\u2019s devotion to, or love of, God.<\/p>\n

One example was reported in this death notice for Miss Anna Harmon, who died at the age of 30. She said:<\/p>\n

I wish I might \u2013 I hope I do resign myself to Christ, for time and for eternity!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"obituary<\/a>
Vermont Gazette (Bennington, Vermont), 24 January 1804, page 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1831, Caesar Low told his wife that he was going to die. His death notice reported that \u201cspiritual light seemed to increase in his soul\u201d and noted his last statements just before he died as follows:<\/p>\n

\u201cGlory to God \u2013 Hallelujah to God, hallelujah \u2013 Oh, my dear Father! My Heavenly Father! He is my Father.\u201d Then pointing to heaven, he said: \u201cYes, I am coming, I am coming!\u201d His final words were:<\/p>\n

See Jesus! See Jesus! How shall I act in Heaven?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"obituary<\/a>
Liberator (Boston, Massachusetts), 29 October 1831, page 176<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Instructions or Words of Wisdom<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although not reported in her obituary, noted abolitionist and suffragette Lucy Stone (1818-1893) left advice for her only daughter with her dying words, Alice Stone Blackwell.<\/p>\n

\"obituary<\/a>
Springfield Republican (Springfield, Massachusetts), 19 October 1893, page 5<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lucy encouraged Alice to \u201cmake the world better,\u201d which she did.<\/p>\n

\"last<\/a>
Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 28 September 1986, page 167<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By the time of her mother\u2019s death, Alice (1857-1950) had become editor of the Woman\u2019s Home Journal<\/em> and recording secretary for the National American Woman Suffrage Association. During her life she championed many causes, including Russian freedom and world peace \u2013 and unlike her mother, was able to celebrate the passage of the 19th<\/sup> amendment in 1920 (see the National Archives<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Alice\u2019s last words were not recorded \u2013 but many would like to think she was thinking of her mother when she passed.<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Boston Herald (Boston, Massachusetts), 16 March 1950, page 27<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Appropriate Sayings<\/strong><\/p>\n

Joseph Medill (1823-1899), editor of the Chicago Tribune<\/em> (who must have read hundreds of last words during his career), appears to have contemplated his own final utterance. Shortly before he passed, his physician heard him comment: \u201cMy last words shall be, what is the news?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"obituary<\/a>
Dallas Morning News (Dallas, Texas), 17 March 1899, page 2<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bat Masterson (1853-1921), another newspaper man, is quoted as having written a lengthy statement. It didn\u2019t appear in his obituaries, but was widely cited years later.<\/p>\n

\"obituary<\/a>
Estrella (Las Cruces, New Mexico), 5 November 1921, page 4<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Masterson\u2019s last words were:<\/p>\n

There are those who argue that everything breaks even in this old dump of a world of ours. I suppose these ginks hold that because the rich man gets ice in the summer and the poor man gets it in the winter things are breaking even for both!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Bat<\/a>
Greensboro Record (Greensboro, North Carolina), 30 September 1964, page 9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How It Feels to Die<\/strong><\/p>\n

Others use their last words to express feelings about death and dying.<\/p>\n

For example, Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861) responded \u201cbeautiful\u201d to a question about how she felt, and William Hunter (1718-1783), the famous Scottish physician and anatomist, said:<\/p>\n

If I had strength enough left to hold a pen, I would write what a pleasant and easy thing it is to die.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"article<\/a>
Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 28 September 1986, page 167<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Jane Austen (1775-1817), author of Pride and Prejudice<\/em> and other novels, didn\u2019t feel the same. She was reportedly asked if there was anything she wanted. Her reply was:<\/p>\n

Nothing but death.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Jane<\/a>
Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 28 September 1986, page 167<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

U.S. Presidents\u2019 Last Words<\/strong><\/p>\n

Some of the most-quoted last words are from famous people, such as U.S. presidents.<\/p>\n

Modern-day writers like to report that President John Adams, who died on the same day as President Thomas Jefferson on 4 July 1826, said for his final words: \u201cThomas Jefferson survives.\u201d<\/p>\n

As in all statements about history and ancestry, historical newspapers are one of the best ways to check the facts. For his last words, did Adams say, \u201cThomas Jefferson survives\u201d or did he actually say \u201cIt is a great and glorious day\u201d?<\/p>\n

\"article<\/a>
Spectator (New York, New York), 14 July 1826, page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Watch for a follow-up article offering more U.S. presidents\u2019 last words, in celebration of the upcoming Presidents\u2019 Day \u2013 and by all means, let us know what last words your ancestors are reported to have said!<\/p>\n

Create a free account<\/a> at GenealogyBank for 7 days to start your journey and discover the stories your ancestors left behind.<\/p>\n

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