Founding Father Biography & Discussion - Benjamin Franklin

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8 February 2012
Biography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin is no doubt one of the greatest men in the history of America. He was a statesman, a father, an author, a scientist, a philosopher, a printer, an activist, a peacemaker, a postmaster, a musician, an inventor and a politician (“National Archives”). He is revered as one of the founding fathers of the United States due to his contribution towards the independence of our great nation. He is a man who preached water and drank the same water. In this research paper we look into his life, the characteristics that made him successful, and his contribution towards independence and why he is still relevant to today’s American society.
Benjamin was born in Milk Street Boston as the tenth son of Josiah Franklin, a soap maker, on January 17, 1706. Josiah had a total of 17 children, which made it difficult for him to formally educate his young ones. Benjamin joined grammar school at eight years and later a clergyman school but did not stay for long. One year later his father ran out of money to pay the fees. He then attached him to his elder brother James, who was a printer (Franklin 21). At a tender age of twelve he was on the streets selling the prints. James was a strict man who would not allow his brother to write articles for his newspaper, The New England Courant (“Founders”).To go round this, Benjamin would write anonymous letters titled “Silence Dogood.” The letters were a hit. Benjamin confessed to writing the letters later, which made him fall out with his envious brother. James was jailed for his views and prints on Smallpox. While in jail, Benjamin ran the newspaper. Upon his release, James battered Benjamin, and when he could not take it any longer he fled to Philadelphia where he worked as an apprentice printer. It was here that he met his future wife Deborah, who then thought that he looked awkward (Isaacson 1).
He made a trip to England but settled in Philadelphia where he started his own printing shop, wrote and published The Pennsylvania Gazette and later Poor Richard's Almanack. He was passionate about Philadelphia, often helping with tasks such as cleaning the city and launching a library. He also helped in founding an insurance company which gave financial compensation to those who suffered from fire tragedies. Later in life he retired from business and studied science, especially electricity. He made significant contributions to science by pioneering inventions in swim fins, library chair, extension arm, lighting rod, odometer and the three wheel clock (“It’s the Little Things”). He joined politics in the late 1750s as he represented Pennsylvania, Georgia, New Jersey and Massachusetts in London, England and in France. He returned home in 1776 where he and four others drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Benjamin was a man who could do many things. His wisdom made him prosper, as everything he touched turned out into gold. He was a trustworthy person. When his brother was jailed, he continued with his business, and sure enough, the business was still thriving when James emerged from the cagy doors of jail. He was a hardworking man. In his book Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, ...