William Penn Annex East in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Benjamin Franklin Epitaph

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 16, 2022

1. Benjamin Franklin Epitaph Marker

Inscription. The Body of
B. Franklin, Printer,
Like the Cover of an old Book,
Its Contents torn out,
And Stript of its Lettering & Gilding,
Lies here, Food for Worms.
But the Work shall not be lost,
For it will as he believ'd
appear once more
In a new and more elegant Edition
Corrected and improved
By the Author.
(This epitaph written by Franklin as a young man, was not intended to be used. His nearby gravestone was prepared in exact accordance with the instructions contained in his will.)

This gravesite restored by the Poor Richard Club of Philadelphia through the generosity of Howard C. Story in memory of his parents Edward A. and Mary Elizabeth Story.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites.

Location. 39° 57.146′ N, 75° 8.894′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in William Penn Annex East. Marker can be reached from Arch Street just east of North 5th Street (County Road 2003), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 50 N Independence Mall E, Philadelphia PA 19106, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Revolutionary War Patriots (here, next to this marker); Christ Church Burial Ground

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(here, next to this marker); Chronology of Benjamin Franklin (here, next to this marker); The Last Resting Place of Benjamin Franklin (here, next to this marker); Sarah Franklin Bache (here, next to this marker); Signers of the Declaration of Independence (here, next to this marker); Benjamin Franklin (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Christ Church Burial Ground (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.

Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), December 16, 2022

2. Benjamin Franklin Epitaph Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 203 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2022, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.