![]() Additionally, Franklin was instrumental in the creation of the Academy of Philadelphia, a college which opened in 1751 and became known as the University of Pennsylvania in 1791.įranklin also was a key figure in the colonial postal system. ![]() public library until the 1850s), the city’s first fire company, a police patrol and the American Philosophical Society, a group devoted to the sciences and other scholarly pursuits.įranklin also organized the Pennsylvania militia, raised funds to build a city hospital and spearheaded a program to pave and light city streets. Starting in the 1730s, he helped establish a number of community organizations in Philadelphia, including a lending library (it was founded in 1731, a time when books weren’t widely available in the colonies, and remained the largest U.S. He died in exile in England.Īdvice from the Founding Fathers: Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin and PhiladelphiaĪs Franklin’s printing business prospered, he became increasingly involved in civic affairs. William Franklin served as the last colonial governor of New Jersey, from 1763 to 1776, and remained loyal to the British during the American Revolution. Franklin had another son, William Franklin (c. Franklin and Read had a son, Francis Folger Franklin (1732-36), who died of smallpox at age 4, and a daughter, Sarah Franklin Bache (1743-1808). Read’s first husband had abandoned her however, due to bigamy laws, she and Franklin could not have an official wedding ceremony. 1705-74), the daughter of his former Philadelphia landlady, as his common-law wife. In 1730, Franklin began living with Deborah Read (c. The almanac became known for its witty sayings, which often had to do with the importance of diligence and frugality, such as “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Franklin achieved fame and further financial success with “Poor Richard’s Almanack,” which he published every year from 1733 to 1758. In 1729, Franklin became the owner and publisher of a colonial newspaper, the Pennsylvania Gazette, which proved popular-and to which he contributed much of the content, often using pseudonyms. The business became highly successful producing a range of materials, including government pamphlets, books and currency. Benjamin Franklin: Printer and Publisherīenjamin Franklin returned to Philadelphia in 1726, and two years later opened a printing shop. In late 1724, he traveled to London, England, and again found employment in the printing business. ![]() At age 17, Franklin ran away from his apprenticeship to Philadelphia, where he found work as a printer. ![]() By age 16, Franklin was contributing essays (under the pseudonym Silence Dogood) to a newspaper published by his brother. In 1718, at age 12, he was apprenticed to his older brother James, a Boston printer. Constitution (1787).įranklin’s formal education was limited and ended when he was 10 however, he was an avid reader and taught himself to become a skilled writer. Franklin was the eighth of Abiah and Josiah’s 10 offspring.ĭid you know? Benjamin Franklin is the only Founding Father to have signed all four of the key documents establishing the U.S.: the Declaration of Independence (1776), the Treaty of Alliance with France (1778), the Treaty of Paris establishing peace with Great Britain (1783) and the U.S. Franklin’s mother was Abiah Folger (1667-1752) of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Josiah’s second wife. ![]() His father, Josiah Franklin (1657-1745), a native of England, was a candle and soap maker who married twice and had 17 children. Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin’s Early Yearsīenjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in colonial Boston. ![]()
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