Infamous Last Words: Akiva ben Joseph (ca. 40–ca. 137)

Infamous Last Words:

Akiva ben Joseph (ca. 40–ca. 137), widely known as Rabbi Akiva. A Jewish sage and a principal founder of rabbinic Judaism, he joined in the revolt of Bar Cocheba against Hadrian and died in Palestine.

 On his deathbed he said:

“Hear O Israel! Adonai is one god. Jehovah is the other one.”

Infamous Last Words: Akiva ben Joseph (ca. 40–ca. 137)
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Infamous Last Words: Sir Andrew Agnew (1793–1849)

Infamous Last Words:

Sir Andrew Agnew, 7th Baronet (1793–1849) was a Member of Parliament. He tried to pass laws to force people to strictly observe the Sabbath. He died of scarlet fever in Edinburgh.

On his deathbed he said to his nurse: “What! The doctor says I can’t get up? Well certainly I can! Here is the evidence and you can tell him so.... Oh, wait. Perhaps I should leave these pillows where they are. Yes, I know the Doctor would want me to keep the pillows just here.”

Infamous Last Words: Sir Andrew Agnew, 7th Baronet (1793–1849)

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Infamous Last Words: John Adams (c. 1735 –1826)

Infamous Last Words:

John Adams (c. 1735 –1826) was 2nd President of the United States under the Constitution. He was later defeated for re-election by Thomas Jefferson, who became our 3rd President. On the day of July 4th, 1826 both men were dying, and this was also the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While on his deathbed, Adams received word that Jefferson was still alive. His last words were:

“Jefferson survives? … Damn!”

Infamous Last Words: John Adams (c. 1735 –1826)
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Infamous Last Words: Achard of St. Victor (c. 1100–1171)

Infamous Last Words:

Achard of St. Victor, C.R.S.A., (c. 1100 –1171) was abbot of the great Abbey of St. Victor, Paris, and later Bishop of Avranches. He was a longtime friend of Thomas Becket (later St. Thomas à Becket). Archard made his crowning achievement the writing of several books on resisting Temptation. His last words were:

“'Tis enough, my brothers: till now I have struggled against my illness; I have forced myself to conceal from you the pain tearing at my bowels—take care lest the author of Evil  break through the peace of the brethren and sow hatred among you and yours.”

Enough said.

Infamous Last Words: Achard of St. Victor, C.R.S.A., (c. 1100–1171)
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Infamous Last Words: John Abernethy (1764–1831)

Infamous Last Words:

John Abernethy FRS (1764–1831) was an English surgeon. He is popularly remembered for having given his name to the “Abernethy biscuit,”—a bitter-tasting “cookie” that was supposed to improve ones digestion. He also was noted for a foul-smelling open sore on his left nipple

According to the 11^th edition Britannica, Dr. Abernethy was a noted lecturer. And yet,…“It has been said, however, that the influence he exerted on those who attended his lectures was not beneficial in this respect, that his opinions were delivered so dogmatically, and all who differed from him were disparaged and denounced so contemptuously, as to repress instead of stimulating inquiry.”

Is is said that his last words were:

    “Is there anyone in the house…?”

In truth this is a badly abbreviated quote. He actually said:

        “Is there anyone in the house….?”

On being told that Dr. Grey was in the house, Abernathy responded:

“Is there anyone else in the house….?”

Infamous Last Words: John Abernethy FRS (1764–1831)

Infamous Last Words: Robert Abbot (1560–1617)

Infamous Last Words:

Robert Abbot (1560–1617) was an Anglican clergyman and academic. He was also Bishop of Salisbury (where steak was invented). As he was dying his last words were:

“Come Lord, come quickly, finish in me….”

Apparently Abbot (actually Bishop) did not get to finish his last words before passing on. A line from one of his sermons was then substituted as being close enough to his last intentions.

“Come Lord Jesus, come Thou quickly, finish the work that Thou has begun….”

Infamous Last Words: Robert Abbot (1560–1617)