Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790) was an American author, scientist, inventor, intellectual, politician, and diplomat. A leading Founding Father, he has also been known as "the First American." A very important person during the American Revolution, he helped make the Thirteen Colonies one nation.

As a leader of the Enlightenment, he influenced European scientists. He was even the first person to be associated by many Europeans with America at the time. His successful diplomacy in France was an important factor in the Americans' victory over Great Britain.

 Childhood and family 
Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts.Engber, Daniel (2006). What's Benjamin Franklin's Birthday?. Retrieved June 17, 2009. After two years of school, he stayed home as an apprentice in his father's candle-making shop. Two years later, he went to work at his brother James' printing shop. While working there, Franklin secretly wrote articles for the newspaper and labeled them as being written by "Mrs. Silence Dogood." When his brother found out, the quarrel made  Franklin at the age of 17 run away to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; then to London, England; and finally back to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Franklin loved books and reading. Franklin at the age of 21 established the colonies' first circulation library for all interested citizens. He became rich and famous as a printer, publisher, and writer. Later, he sold his businesses and became busy with science and politics.

 Political life  
Franklin was very important in Pennsylvanian and early American politics. He was a leader in the city of Philadelphia, where he did many important things. He was the President of the Academy and College of Philadelphia. Later, he became a councilman, a justice of the peace, and then a representative of the city. He also started one of the first public libraries in Philadelphia. For many years, the postmaster of Philadelphia, and in 1753 became Postmaster General of the Thirteen Colonies. In 1757, he went to live in London as an agent for Pennsylvania and later for other colonies.

He was in the Continental Congress, which led the country during the American Revolutionary War, and he helped write the United States Declaration of Independence.  He controlled the postal service as Postmaster General. As an ambassador to France, he helped persuade the country to join the war against Great Britain. He also helped negotiate the peace. Later, he was a member of the Constitutional Convention, which made the Constitution of the United States.

 Publications 
Franklin called himself a printer but is also known for his writings. Among some of the more well-known ones are Poor Richard's Almanack and the Pennsylvania Gazette.

 Inventions 
Franklin was a scientist and did experiments in an effort to improve or correct science. One of his greatest contributions was in the scientific theory of electricity through the Leyden jar.

Most people see Franklin as one of history's greatest inventors. For example, he invented the lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, and the glass harmonica.

 Death 
Franklin died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from pleurisy on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84.

 Legacy 
Franklin left a considerable legacy. He helped advance American innovation, was a signer of the Decleration of Independence, tried to pursue peaceful resolutions with Native Americans, and performed humanitarian aid to local peoples. He build incredible civic structures like libraries, hospitals, and universities. He also created the United States Post Office.  

He discovered the secret of electricity and later invented the lightning rod, which saved many people's houses and lives by protecting them from lightning strikes. He also promoted freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and freedom of speech. Ben was a critical instrument in winning the American Revolutionary War by diplomacy to France, and he raised funds and troops with the help of France. He also signed off on the Constitution.  

Franklin’s funeral took place on April 21, 1790 in Philadelphia; it was one of the largest public gatherings in early American history. More than 20,000 people, nearly the entire population of the city, came to pay their respects. The funeral procession included members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, representatives of civic and religious organizations, the American Philosophical Society, Freemasons, and ordinary citizens both black and white. His wide appeal across different segments of society was evident in the diversity and size of the crowd.

He was buried at Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia beside his wife, Deborah. His grave is marked with a simple stone inscribed “Benjamin and Deborah Franklin.” News of his death spread far beyond America. In France, the National Constituent Assembly honored him by wearing black and mourning for three days. His funeral was not just a local event since it was a tribute from a grateful nation and a world that admired his intellect, diplomacy, and lifelong service to humanity.

The city of Philadelphia, where he lived, marked his 300th birthday in 2006. Many streets and a few towns are named after him.

A picture of Franklin has been on the United States one-hundred-dollar bill since 1928, the only person who was never president to do so in a bill in general circulation other than Alexander Hamilton, who is on the United States ten-dollar bill. Franklin was also on the fifty-cent coin from 1948 to 1963.

 Footnotes 

 References 
 Feldman, Eve B.  Benjamin Franklin: Scientist and Inventor.  New York: Library of Congress, 1990.  Print.

 Other websites 

 Three Hundredth Anniversary Website 
 Franklin's autobiography  at Project Gutenberg
 Guide to Benjamin Franklin 
 US State Department bio
 Website for PBS Franklin Television Series 
 Benjamin Franklin Citizendium

Category:1706 births
Category:1790 deaths
Category:Deaths from pleurisy
Category:Signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence
Category:Signers of the United States Constitution
Category:American inventors
Category:Politicians from Philadelphia
Category:Politicians from Boston
Category:Scientists from Boston
Category:Scientists from Philadelphia
Category:Ambassadors of the United States to France
Category:American abolitionists
Category:American autobiographers
Category:American deists
Category:United States Postmasters General
Category:Independent politicians in the United States
Category:18th-century American politicians
Category:Slavers