1. BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Inventor Publisher Statesman PATRIOT by a boy, 10 years old

2. Lifeline Born 1706 10th son, and 15th child, of 17 children! Married Deborah Reed 1730 Fathered 3 children Widowed 1774 Died 1790

3. Interesting Facts At the age of 70, Benjamin Franklin was the oldest delegate to sign the Declaration of Independence on July 2, 1776. John Paul Jones, who became the premier American naval hero by raiding British merchant and military ships, named his vessel Bonhomme Richard -- French for "Poor Richard" -- in honor of Franklin's Poor Richard's Almanack.

4. What fool’s name is this? As a young lad, Benjamin Franklin wrote his name in a fancy manner. However, once a venerable old man saw the pompous signature and replied, "What fool's name is this?" After that incident, Benjamin autographed in a plain and efficient style.

5. Patriotic Activities Deputy postmaster for North America Colonial agent for Pennsylvania Petitioned England for freedom from Stamp Act Delegate to Continental Congress Helped write Declaration of Independence Negotiated treaty of alliance with France President of first society for abolition of slavery

6. Inventions and Science Organized first fire company for Philadelphia Invented swimming flippers and bifocal glasses Invented Franklin stove for cooking and heating the home Introduced paving, street cleaning and lights to Philadelphia Introduced first battery Kite experiment for conducting electricity

7. Famous Quotations "A little neglect may breed mischief,...for want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost." "A penny saved is a penny earned." "Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.” "Diligence is the Mother of good luck."

8. More quotations... "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of." "Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." "Energy and persistence conquer all things.” "Having been poor is no shame, but being ashamed of it, is.” "Never confuse motion with action."

9. What I learned from Benjamin Franklin Impressed by his intelligence Admire his loyalty to country Enjoyed his practical inventiveness Lived long and interesting life