About Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
The most fascinatingly versatile of our Founding Fathers, Benjamin Franklin lived a rags-to-riches life marked by scientific achievement, a wide range of social service, and vitally important leadership in the establishment of our Republic.
At heart an innovator and inventor, the number, variety, and practicality of his contributions make him unique in American history. Franklin, more than any, epitomized the emerging, American identity. Ignoring European values of class and birth as determiners of one’s future, Franklin championed industry, virtue and thrift.
The only Founding Father who came from the “middling class,” Franklin valued his roots and the practical skills they represented. Across his 84-year life, this self-taught man became internationally honored for his scientific contributions and was the best-known American of his times. His simple dress and manner belied a keen intelligence, a charming wit and enormous stamina—all of which he put at the service of his country. Ben’s values and ideas are as relevant today as they were in his own time and everywhere “he” goes, he renews interest in our beginnings and pride in America’s “First Citizen.”
Ben Franklin Chronology
1706–Born on January 17 in Boston, Massachusetts
1718–Apprenticed to his brother, James, a Boston printer
1723–Runs away to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1724–Sails to London to study the latest developments in printing at the request of Pennsylvania Governor, William Keith
1726–Returns to Philadelphia
1727–Founds the Junto, later the American Philosophical Society
1728–Begins his first print shop in Philadelphia
1730—Takes to wife Deborah Read Rogers
1732–Publishes first edition of his Poor Richard’s Almanack
1737–Designated postmaster general of Philadelphia
1748–Retires from the printing profession, begins electrical studies
1752–Performs electrical studies, including the legendary kite experiment; creates the first American fire insurance company
1756–Elected to the Royal Society (Britain)
1757–Journeys to London, England as a delegate representing the Pennsylvania Legislature. Stays 5 years.
1762–Back home in Pennsylvania, tours all colonies as Deputy Post-master General
1764–Returns to London as colonial representative
1775–Recalled to the colonies and named to Second Continental Congress; presents the Articles of Confederation of United Colonies.
1776–Plays instrumental role in drafting and signing the Declaration of Independence; Begins diplomatic mission to France; Will stay almost 9 years in Paris
1778–Signs the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with France
1782–Negotiates preliminary peace treaty with Great Britain along with John Adams and John Jay
1783–Signs Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolutionary War
1785—Returns to the United States of America; elected President of Pennsylvania
1787–Nominated and elected president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the Slave Trade, elected member of Constitutional Convention and signs the Constitution of the United States of America;
1790–Passes away at the age of eighty-four on April17.
