Benjamin Franklyn

The tenth son of soap maker, Josiah Franklin, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. Benjamin’s mother was Abiah Folger, the second wife of his father. At fifteen years old, his brother started the first newspaper in Boston ‘The New England Courant’ even though there have been other papers before.

 

Benjamin wanted to write for his brother’s paper too, but he knew that James wouldn’t let him. So Ben began writing letters at night and signing them with the name of a fictional widow, Silence Dogood. Dogood was filled with advice and very critical of the world around her, particularly concerning the issue of how women were treated.

 

Ben would sneak the letters under the print shop door at night so no one knew who was writing the pieces. They became so popular that everyone wanted to know who the mysterious person was.

 

In 1723 Benjamin ran away because of constant feud between him and his brother which was illegal in America. Franklin found work as an apprentice printer. He did so well that the governor of Pennsylvania promised to set him up in business for himself if young Franklin would just go to London to buy fonts and printing equipment.

 

Franklin did go to London, but the governor reneged on his promise and Benjamin was forced to spend several months in England doing print work. In 1728, Benjamin fathered a child named William. The mother of William is not known. However, in 1730 Benjamin married his childhood sweetheart, Deborah Read.

 

By 1748 he had achieved financial independence and gained recognition for his philanthropy and the motivation he provided to such civic causes as libraries, educational institutions, and hospitals. Vigorous and determined, he also found time to pursue his interest in science, as well as to enter politics.

 

Franklin earned the title of “The First American” for his early and remorseless campaigning for colonial unity; as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies, then as the first United States Ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation.

 

He played a major role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania and was elected the first president of the American Philosophical Society. Franklin became a national hero in America when as agent for several colonies he spearheaded the effort to have Parliament in London repeal the unpopular Stamp Act.

 

An accomplished diplomat, he was widely admired among the French as American minister to Paris and was a major figure in the development of positive Franco-American relations.

 

His famous electricity experiment, which included flying a kite during a lightning storm, took place in 1752. In addition to his science projects, Franklin was elected to the Pennsylvania assembly and held the post for 14 years. Franklin was bedridden during the final year of his life and died on April 17, 1790.

 

Benjamin Franklyn is a very famous person known throughout the world, his memories has positively lived on as he is history is known by many.Franklin became a hero to the French, and his company was sought by diplomats and nobility.

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