Benjamin Franklin – a Biography

Benjamin Franklin was a famous statesman, scientist, post master, inventor, political theorist, leader, author, painter, musician, politician, statesman and much more. He was one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. He is fondly remembered as “the first American” for his efforts towards colonial unity. 

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended the Boston Latin School, but did not complete his graduation. Just because he did not attend school, he did not stop educating himself. He was a voracious reader. 

Benjamin Franklin was a painter by trade. He moved to Philadelphia when he was 17 years of age and worked in many paint shops. He was motivated by the then governor of Pennsylvania to go to London to get equipments for starting a newspaper in Philadelphia. 

Benjamin Franklin became a successful newspaper editor and printer. He earned plenty of money by publishing newspapers like The Pennsylvania Gazette. He played a major role in establishing the University of Pennsylvania. He was the first president of the American Philosophical Society.

Benjamin Franklin established a common law marriage with Deborah Read Franklin. The couple had two children. He also took care of his illegitimate son William. His daughter Sarah Franklin took care of him in his old age. Franklin could play violin, harp and guitar. He was also an avid chess player. 

Benjamin Franklin was the first US ambassador to France. He invented lightning rod and bifocals. He was a major name in the American Enlightenment. He literally defined the American ethos and stood for democratic values like self-governing institutions, hard work, community spirit, thrift and education.

Benjamin Franklin played a major role in repealing the Stamp Act. He served the nation as the governor of Pennsylvania. Towards the end of his life, he set an example to the society by freeing all his slaves. He died on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84. 

The nation has honored this great personality by displaying his image on it currency. Towns, stamps, warships and educational institutions bear his name today.