Benjamin Franklin

Franklin - ita, 1825 - 766672 R (cropped)

Franklin the printer2

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The General Magazine and Historical Chronicle Vol 1, January, 1741

Feke - Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 [O.S. January 6, 1705] – April 17, 1790) was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, a noted polymath, and a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. As a scientist, he was a major figure in the American Enlightenment and the history of physics for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity. As an inventor, he is known for the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other inventions. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company of Philadelphia, Philadelphia's fire department, and the University of Pennsylvania.

Early Life

Born in Boston, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Franklin was the fifteenth of seventeen children of Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker, and his wife Abiah Folger. From a young age, Franklin was curious about the world around him, which led to his love for reading and learning. Despite his family's financial constraints, which limited his formal education to two years, Franklin pursued self-education through voracious reading.

Career

Franklin's career began in printing, but his interests and achievements spread across a wide range of fields. In 1729, he purchased the Pennsylvania Gazette, which became one of the American colonies' most successful newspapers. He became wealthy publishing this and Poor Richard's Almanack, which he authored under the pseudonym Richard Saunders.

In the 1730s and 1740s, Franklin began his civic contributions, establishing the Library Company, the fire department, and the Academy and College of Philadelphia, which later became the University of Pennsylvania. His scientific inquiries into the nature of electricity led to his invention of the lightning rod, a major contribution to the safety of homes and ships.

Diplomatic Career

Franklin's diplomatic career was marked by his efforts to secure French support for the American Revolution, serving as the United States Minister to France from 1776 to 1785. His charm and diplomacy were instrumental in securing the Treaty of Paris (1783), which ended the Revolutionary War.

Legacy

Franklin's legacy is vast, encompassing his contributions to science, politics, and society. He is remembered on the $100 bill, numerous namesakes across the U.S., and his enduring moral and scientific contributions to the world. His autobiography, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, remains a classic in the genre.

Death and Memorials

Franklin died on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was interred in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia. His legacy is commemorated by numerous memorials and institutions bearing his name, including Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

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