Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, at age 70.
Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, making him the senior member by age among the 56 signers. He was a prominent printer, scientist, inventor, diplomat, and political leader before joining the independence movement. His scientific work included experiments with electricity, while his diplomatic career helped secure French support for the American cause.
Franklin served on the Committee of Five that prepared the Declaration, but Thomas Jefferson wrote the original draft. Franklin also signed the final parchment as a delegate from Pennsylvania and was one of the best-known figures at the Congress.
The age fact concerns the signers of the Declaration, not all people involved in the Revolution. George Washington, for example, was a major military leader but did not sign the Declaration. Edward Rutledge of South Carolina was the youngest signer, at 26.