Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was an author, inventor, diplomat, printer, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He is a prominent figure in American history and is revered world-wide for his many contributions.

Ben Franklin was born in Boston, the tenth son of Josiah Franklin, a soap maker and father of 17. His mother, Abiah Folger was Josiah’s second wife.

At a young age, Franklin started an apprenticeship with his older brother James, who worked as a printer. Ben loved to read and write, and wanted to contribute his thoughts to James’ paper, “The New England Courant,” but James wouldn’t allow it. Refusing to be deterred, Ben submitted his thoughts on the world and the treatment of women under the penname Silence Dogood, until his identity was discovered and he was forced to stop.

Franklin went on to work as a printer and wrote pamphlets that voiced his opinions on how people could work to make a better world. He started the “Poor Richard’s Almanac,” which included weather reports and recipes, along with his various predictions and homilies.

In the 1750’s, Ben Franklin started a more active role in politics. In 1754, he proposed a plan for united colonies and made his break with England. He began to work toward America’s independence as the Colonial representative of Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. In 1757 he made his trip to England to fight for representation of Pennsylvania. After being elected to the Second Continental Congress in 1775, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence, which he signed in 1776.

Ben Franklin’s accomplishments included inventions, such as the Franklin Stove, flippers, and bifocals. He also played a role in the development of electricity. His contributions to humanity as well as his personality are fondly remembered. When Ben died, 20,000 people attended his funeral. Today Ben is often referred to as “the harmonious human multitude.”