William Franklin

William Franklin  (c. 1730 – November 1813) was an American-born attorney, soldier, politician, and colonial administrator. He was the acknowledged illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin. The last colonial Governor of New Jersey (1763–1776), Franklin was a steadfast Loyalist throughout the American Revolutionary War. As his father was one of the most prominent Patriots and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, their differences caused an irreconcilable break between them.
Following imprisonment by Patriots in 1776-78, he became the chief leader of the Loyalists. From his base in New York City he organized military units to fight on the British side. In 1782 he went into exile in Britain. He lived in London until his death.
Category:Last Name Franklin
Category:Born 1730
Category:Died 1813