Birth: Boston Massachusetts, January 17, 1706
Death: April 17, 1790
Vocation: Publisher, Printer, Writer, Scientist, Inventor, Ambassador
Accomplishments: See below
Allegiance: American Colonies, United States
Ben Franklin was born to Josiah and Abiah Franklin. Benjamin was born on January 17, 1706 and had sixteen siblings. His father was a candle and soap maker. The Franklin's were Puritans. His father was able to send him to school only for a few years. Ben was a heavy reader and this helped his education.
As a youth Franklin was apprenticed to his brother as a printer. After a few years he ran away to Philadelphia and worked there and in London as a printer and publisher. After years of hard work he owned his own print shop and publishing house. He began writing Poor Richard's Almanac, which became very popular.
Franklin was interested in many things. He was very interested in science. He did research and experimented in many areas. Because of this work he had many inventions. He loved chess and played several instruments. Franklin also helped to set up different colleges, libraries, and fire departments.
As Ben Franklin aged he became very involved in public life and politics. He was involved in struggles with the powerful Penn family on behalf of the public relating to ownership, property, and taxes. He was a champion of the common man. In 1763 Franklin organized a militia to help the British protect Philadelphia and members of local tribes that were seeking refuge from the Paxton Boys. The Paxton Boys were a group of Presbyterian Scotch-Irish that were using Pontiac's Rebellion as an excuse to attack peaceful tribes. He also spent time in Britain trying to combat the Stamp Act of 1765. This made him popular in the colonies.
The revolution starting in 1775 changed things. Franklin was considered a troublemaker in Britain and was not listened to by the government there. Franklin returned home and helped to write the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He was then sent to France to act as an ambassador. After a lot of time and work he convinced the French government to help the colonies against the British in 1778. This was very important in helping the colonies win their freedom.
Franklin returned home in 1785 and died on April 17, 1790.
