Ben Franklin (1706 – 1790)

Autobiography Started at age 65 Never finished it Published posthumously Began as a letter to his son, William

Poor Richard’s Almanack Almanacs were popular – contained information about the calendar, schedules, planting, weather predictions, etc. Poor Richard was first published in 1733 Was supposedly the work of Poor Richard Saunders An imaginary astrologer with a critical wife He passed on his experience and wisdom Sold 10,000 copies every year Popular because of jokes and aphorisms (one sentence, witty sayings) Published one every year for 25 years

Early Life Born in Boston One of 17 children Rags to riches life story Had to quit school early Worked as an apprentice to his brother (printing company)

Early Life Ben wanted to write, but brother wouldn’t let him Wrote letters as Silence Dogood and submitted them anonymously Very popular – at 16 Ben admitted he was “Silence” – brother angry and jealous James was jailed for a disagreement with the Mathers Ben ran the paper When James was released, wasn’t thankful Would beat up Franklin Ben ran away

Civic Duties Eventually married Deborah Read, the girl who saw him when he was a disheveled wreck on his first day in Philadelphia Published the Pennsylvania Gazette Helped found the Academy of Pennsylvania (later University of Pennsylvania) Founded the first public library in America Launched the American Philosophical Society (first learned society in America) Helped to form the Pennsylvania Hospital

Inventions The Franklin Stove Bifocals A type of harmonica Research of electricity Swim fins A rocking chair that could swat flies

Politics Lived in London in the 1750’s and 60’s as an agent of Pennsylvania’s Assembly He was quite popular & liked it there (theater, fine thinkers) Back in America, helped to draft The Declaration of Independence Spent time in France He was even more popular there than in England Was a hit with the ladies (his wife had passed) Later returned to America and signed the Constitution