Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence, at age 70.
Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, and signed the Declaration in 1776. His age, international reputation, scientific work, and diplomatic experience made him one of the best-known members of the founding generation.
Franklin also served on the Committee of Five that reviewed Thomas Jefferson’s draft. His role therefore connected the document’s creation with its final signing. He represented Pennsylvania in the Second Continental Congress.
The oldest and youngest signer distinctions are based on the 56 eventual signers of the Declaration. Franklin was not the oldest person involved in every event of the Revolution, and George Washington was not a signer because he was serving as commander of the Continental Army.