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Benjamin Franklin was one of the most prominent of founders,
early political figures and statesmen of the United States.
Considered the earliest of the Founders, Franklin was noted for his
curiosity, ingenuity and diverse of interests. More than anyone he
shaped the American Revolution, despite never holding a national
elective office.
Born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, to a tallow-maker, Franklin became a
newspaper editor, printer, and merchant in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and became very wealthy. He spent many years in
England and published the famous Poor Richard's Almanack and
Pennsylvania Gazette. He formed both the first public lending
library and fire department in America as well as the Junto, a
political discussion club.
He became a national hero in America when he convinced Parliament to
repeal the hated Stamp Act. A diplomatic genius, Franklin was almost
universally admired among the French as American minister to Paris,
and was a major figure in the development of positive
Franco-American relations. From 1775 to 1776, Franklin was
Postmaster General under the Continental Congress and from 1785 to
his death in 1790 was President of the Supreme Executive Council of
Pennsylvania.
Franklin was interested in science and technology. He carried out
his famous electricity experiments and invented the Franklin stove,
medical catheter, lightning rod, swim fins, glass harmonica, and
bifocals. He also played a major role in establishing the higher
education institution that would become the Ivy League's University
of Pennsylvania and the Franklin and Marshall College. In addition,
Franklin was a noted linguist, fluent in five languages. He also had
an interest in astrology (see Poor Richard's Almanac).
Benjamin Franklin died on April 17, 1790 at the extremely advanced
age (for that time) of 84 (while weighing over 300 pounds), and was
interred in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania.
Towards the end of his life, Franklin became one of the most
prominent early American abolitionists. Today Franklin is pictured
on the U.S. $100 bill. The city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania will
mark Franklin's 300th Birthday in January 2006, with a wide array of
exhibitions, and events citing Franklin's extraordinary
accomplishments throughout his illustrious career. |
