Introduction
Benjamin Franklin was a pivotal figure in American history, renowned as a polymath, inventor, author, and politician. He is often referred to as the “Father of America” for his influential role in the formation of the United States. Franklin’s legacy has inspired many leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former U.S. President Barack Obama. Despite humble beginnings, Franklin’s remarkable life journey and multifaceted talents left an indelible mark on history.
Profile
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Benjamin Franklin |
| Profession | Scientist, Writer, Politician |
| Birthdate | January 17, 1706 |
| Birthplace | Boston |
| Age | 84 years |
| Father’s Name | Josiah Franklin |
| Mother’s Name | Abiah Folger Franklin |
| Best Known For | Founding Father of the United States |
| Death Date | April 17, 1790 |
| Death Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Death Cause | Complications from pleurisy |
| Awards and Honors | Hall of Fame (1900), Copley Medal (1753) |
| Title/Office | Continental Congress (1775-1775) |
| Siblings | James Franklin, Ebenezer Franklin, Thomas Franklin, Josiah Franklin Jr., Jane Franklin Mecom |
| Press | Pennsylvania Gazette |
| Spouse’s Name | Deborah Read |
| Children | William Franklin, Sarah Franklin Bache, Francis Folger Franklin |
| Education | Boston Latin School (BLS) |
| Appointment | Continental Congress |
| Left School | At the age of 10 |
| Father’s Business | Soap making |
| Religion | Puritan |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | $6.5 Million |
Early Life
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Milk Street, Boston. His father, Josiah Franklin, was a soap maker. Benjamin was part of a large family with 17 siblings, as his father remarried twice. Franklin’s formal education ended at the age of 10, after which he joined his father’s business. At twelve, he apprenticed with his brother James at a printing press. After a dispute in October 1723, Franklin moved to Philadelphia and started working at a new printing press, eventually founding his own “Pennsylvania Gazette.”
Education & Career
Franklin began his education at a local grammar school but left formal education at age 10 to assist in his father’s business. He later became an apprentice at his brother’s printing shop, where he developed a keen interest in writing and publishing.
| Education | Details |
|---|---|
| School | Boston Latin School |
| University | None |
| Degree | Left school at the age of 10 |
Achievements & Awards
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1742 | Opened the Franklin Stove |
| 1744 | Founded the American Philosophical Society |
| 1753 | Awarded the Copley Medal and appointed Joint Postmaster General |
| 1772 | Became a member of the French Academy |
| 1785 | Elected President of Pennsylvania |
Personal Life
Benjamin Franklin married Deborah Read and had three children: William, Sarah, and Francis. His son Francis died of cholera at the age of four. His daughter Sarah married Richard Bache and had seven children. Franklin’s wife, Deborah, died in 1774. Franklin also had an illegitimate son, William, who became the governor of New Jersey.
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Deborah Read |
| Children | William Franklin, Sarah Franklin Bache, Francis Folger Franklin |
| Known Relatives | Grandchildren from Sarah Bache |
Legacy
Benjamin Franklin is celebrated as one of the founding fathers of America. He made significant contributions through his inventions, which he chose not to patent, such as the Franklin stove, bifocal spectacles, and the lightning rod. His experiments with electricity proved that lightning is a form of electrical discharge.
Conclusion
Benjamin Franklin’s life story is a powerful lesson in perseverance and versatility. From his humble beginnings as a poor boy to becoming a pivotal figure in American history, Franklin’s multifaceted talents as a writer, scientist, politician, and musician continue to inspire generations.
Unknown Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Date | April 17, 1790 |
| Grave Location | Philadelphia, at 5th and Arch Streets |
| Lifespan | 84 years and 3 months |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who influenced Benjamin Franklin? | Influenced leaders like Narendra Modi and Barack Obama |
| What are some of Franklin’s inventions? | Franklin stove, bifocal spectacles, lightning rod |
| Where is Franklin buried? | Philadelphia, at 5th and Arch Streets |
| What was Franklin’s religion? | Puritan |
| When did Franklin leave school? | At the age of 10 |