Benjamin Franklin was 81 years old when he signed the United States Constitution, making him the oldest signer.
Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. By the Constitutional Convention's final session on September 17, 1787, he was a celebrated printer, scientist, diplomat, and statesman with decades of public experience. He represented Pennsylvania alongside figures including Robert Morris and James Wilson.
Franklin's age contrasted sharply with that of Jonathan Dayton, who was 26 and the youngest signer. Franklin was physically frail during the convention and often required assistance. James Wilson read an address Franklin prepared for the closing day, in which Franklin expressed support for the document despite reservations about parts of it.
Age did not determine who signed. Thirteen delegates had left before the final ceremony, while Edmund Randolph, George Mason, and Elbridge Gerry remained but refused to sign. Franklin's participation nevertheless gave the Constitution the endorsement of one of the Revolution's most internationally recognized figures.