Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. He was the tenth son of a soap maker, Josiah Franklin. Benjamin's mother was Abiah Folger, the second wife of Josiah. In total, Josiah had 17 children. Josiah wanted Benjamin to study as a clergy, but due to money limitations he could only attend school one year. Benjamin loved to read, which he had learned from his brother James, who was a printer. James would compose pamphlets and Benjamin would sell them on the streets, making this his first job. When Benjamin was fifteen, his brother James started the first newspaper in Boston which news, articles and opinions written by his friends. Benjamin wanted to write but knew his brother wouldn’t allow him to. He decided to start writing letters and signed them as Silence Dogood, a fictional widow. He sneaked these letters at night through the door. The letters were filled with advice, and were very critical with the world, especially on thing concerning about women. These letters were a big hit. After 16 letters he confessed and his brother got angry and jealous of all the attention he had gained.

Experiments were nothing new to Benjamin, as in 1943 he had invented the Franklin stove, which helped to keep houses warm. The lighting rod, which help prevent lightings strike homes and buildings in 1949, the bifocals, swim fins and others. He also discovered the Atlantic northern currents. He founded the American Philosophical society in 1943, to help men discuss their thoughts on inventions and science. He helped meteorology, discovering storms can move in different directions, and also helped with cooling and refrigeration.

In the late 1950’s, Benjamin started to have an interest for politics. In 1957 he went to England and stayed there representing Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. He first supported British but the Stamp Act revolution blew his mind and convinced him to side with Americans. He started working for the Independence. His son William was appointed Governor of Massachusetts, but he didn’t share his father’s views. He helped draft the Declaration and signed it on 1776. He went to France to ally with them; French loved him and decided to help Americans. He was also there when the Treaty of Paris was signed. He later returned to America and died on April 17, 1790.