BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
1706 - 1790
 

Famous for his kite experiment, which proved that lightning was electrical, Franklin worked as a writer, printer, publisher, and businessman. He adopted many pen names, e.g. Richard Saunders.

Franklin was a remarkably active figure in politics and a co-signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, and the Treaty of Paris which ended the Seven Years' War.

Franklin invented the lightning conductor rod and invented or improved many other devices. In addition, he was an excellent promoter.

He had a hearty spirit for learning his entire life and kept a weekly diary of his behavior to improve his personality. In England, he gave swimming lessons in the river Thames. Franklin's services as an international diplomat were much sought after because he was also a skilled negotiator.

Benjamin was also the author of the Albany Plan of 1754.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN'S FAMILY
His father was Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker who was born in England and moved to Boston in 1683. Josiah married twice. His mother was Abiah Folger, Josiah Franklin's second wife. She was born on Nantucket island, Massachusetts. Abiah and Josiah had ten children. Benjamin was the eighth child.

Benjamin's spouse was Deborah Read Rogers. Their children were William, Francis, and Sarah.

FRANKLIN'S INVENTIONS
Among other things, Franklin invented the Pennsylvania fireplace, which after being improved by David Rittenhouse, was sold as the Franklin stove.

Other inventions were swim fins, bifocal glasses, the odometer, and the glass armonica, for which Mozart and Beethoven composed. Franklin studied weather observation and helped to understand the Gulf Stream.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

FRANKLIN'S TIMELINE
1706 January 17 - Birth in Boston, Massachusetts
1718 Apprentice in his brother's printing shop in Boston (until1723)
1724 First trip to England
1728 Owner of a printing shop in Philadelphia
1729 Owner and publisher of the Pennsylvania Gazette
1730 Marries Deborah
1731 Founds the first subscription library in the colonies
1737 Postmaster of Philadelphia
1748 Retires from business
1753 Deputy Postmaster General, which puts him in charge of mail in all the northern colonies
1774 Hutchinson Letters Affair
1775 American Revolution (until 1783)
1776 Signs Declaration of Independence
1779 Minister to France
1783 Treaty of Paris
1787 Signs the Constitution
1789 Washington becomes president
1790 April 17 - Death in Philadelphia

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN BOOK REVIEW
I highly recommend Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. It is just 136 pages to read and it will give you the feel you know the man. He knew how to use a pen, which makes this book very enjoyable reading. Plus, it is just two bucks or so, so there's really nothing you can do wrong here. All thumbs up. Here is the amazon.com link: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Dover Thrift Editions)

Here you can read it online and for free.

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TRIVIA
You can now win the Benjamin Franklin award if you contributed to public diplomacy. Read all about it in the Washington Post article.

Benjamin Franklin timeline here.