EPITAPHS

Epitaphs are inscriptions found on grave stones.  Here are a two, one proposed and one etched, of famous American leaders.

Benjamin Franklin ordered this one before his death.  In actuality, it didn't make it onto his grave marker.

"The Body of B. Franklin, Printer
Like the cover of an old book
Its Contents torn out,
And stripped of its lettering & gilding,
Lies here, food for worms.
But the work shall not be wholly lost
For it will, as he believed, appear once more
In a new and more perfect edition
Corrected and improved by the author."


Thomas Jefferson ordered this one before his death.  Note that he chose to omit the fact that he was President of the United States.

"Author of the Declaration of American Independence
of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom
and father of the University of Virginia."
*o*