Everybody has to go at some point. But these US Presidents didn’t want to pass away without saying a few final words.
George Washington – “Tis well.”
John Adams – “Thomas Jefferson survives.”
Though famously, and darkly ironic, Jefferson had died hours earlier.
Thomas Jefferson – “No, doctor, nothing more.”
James Madison – “Nothing more than a change of mind, my dear.”
It was in response to one of his nieces asking “what is the matter?”
James Monroe – “I regret that I should leave this world without again beholding him.” Him being in reference to James Madison.
John Quincy Adams – “This is the last of earth. I am content.”
Andrew Jackson – “I hope to meet each of you in heaven. Be good, children, all of you, and strive to be ready when the change comes.”
Martin Van Buren – “There is but one reliance.”
William H. Harrison – “I understand the true principles of the government. I wish them carried out. I ask nothing more.”
John Tyler – “Perhaps it is best.”
James K. Polk – “I love you, Sarah. For all eternity, I love you.”
Zachary Taylor – “I regret nothing, but I am sorry to leave my friends.”
James Buchanan – “Oh, Lord God Almighty, as thou wilt!”
Abraham Lincoln – “She won’t think anything about it.”
This was in response to Mary Todd Lincoln who wondered aloud what their female theater companion would think if she saw her clinging to the President.
Andrew Johnson – “Oh, do not cry. Be good children and we shall meet in heaven.”
Ulysses S. Grant – “There was never one more willing to go than I am.”
Rutherford B. Hayes – “I know I am going where Lucy is.”
In reference to his deceased wife, Lucy.
James A. Garfield – “Swaim, can’t you stop the pain?”
He was speaking to General David Swaim at the time.
Grover Cleveland – “I have tried so hard to do right.”
Benjamin Harrison – “Are the doctors here? Doctor, my lungs…”
William McKinley – “Goodbye, all, goodbye. It is God’s way. His will be done.”
Theodore Roosevelt – “Put out the light.”
Woodrow Wilson – “When the machinery is broken… I am ready.”
Warren G. Harding – “That’s good. Go on, read some more.”
He was speaking to his wife, who was at his bedside reading the Saturday Evening Post.
Calvin Coolidge – “Good morning, Robert.”
President Coolidge was speaking to a carpenter at his home. He died suddenly shortly after.
Franklin D. Roosevelt – “I have a terrific headache.”
He died of a cerebral hemorrhage moments later.
Dwight D. Eisenhower – “I want to go. God take me.”
John F. Kennedy –
Nellie Connally, wife of Governor John Connally said to President Kennedy,
“You certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome, Mr. President.”
His response, moments before he was assassinated: “No, you certainly can’t.”
Lyndon B. Johnson – “Send Mike immediately.”
“Mike” being the secret service officer on duty on his Texas Ranch.
Richard M. Nixon – Nixon died of a stroke in 1994, his last words were to his housekeeper who he spoke “help” to.
He did not die immediately but he was not able to speak after that.