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HOME   -   PEOPLE IN HISTORY A-Z   -   BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

 
   


Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790


Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

Image Above

Detail from the Portrait of Benjamin Franklin by David Martin (1737-1797)

Library of Congress



Famous for his kite experiment, which proved that lightning was electrical, Benjamin 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. He was the author of the Albany Plan of 1754, co-signer of the
Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States of America, the Treaty of Paris which ended the Seven Years' War, as well as the Treaty of Paris that ended the American Revolution.

On September 17, 1787, an aged Benjamin Franklin had James Wilson deliver his Address to the Federal Convention shortly before the Constitution was signed by the Convention at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


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 Franklin, 1706 - 1790
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
1706 - 1790


 

Benjamin Franklin's Family

Benjamin Franklin's father was Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker who was born in England and moved to Boston in 1683. Josiah Franklin married twice.

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

 

Benjamin 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
Click image to enlarge


 

Benjamin 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

1776 U.S. Minister to France (until 1785). See also Vergennes

1783 The 1783 Peace of Paris concludes the American Revolution. The Treaty of Paris between Britain and the United States was signed on September 3, 1783.

1787 Signs the Constitution

1789 Washington becomes president

1790 April 17 - Death in Philadelphia


 

Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France 1778
Benjamin Franklin at the Court of France 1778
Painting by Hobens, Library of Congress

 


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 that 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 you can read it online and 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.

 

Benjamin Franklin on the 100 Dollar Bill
Benjamin Franklin on the 100 Dollar Bill

 

 

 

See also the American Timeline.

 

 

 

 

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