1. Ben Franklin (1706 – 1790)

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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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