Who was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, at age 81?

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the U.S. Constitution, signing it at age 81.

Franklin represented Pennsylvania at the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was the convention's oldest delegate and was often carried into the sessions in a sedan chair because of his poor health. His reputation as a scientist, printer, diplomat, and statesman made him one of the gathering's most prominent figures.

Franklin supported the Constitution despite reservations about some provisions. On the final day, he urged the delegates to sign, and he famously expressed hope that the document would succeed even though he was not certain it was perfect.

Franklin's age is sometimes confused with George Washington's age. Washington was 55 during the convention and presided over it; Franklin was the elder statesman who became its oldest signer.