Background on ben franklin
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Benjamin Franklin
American polymath and solon (1706–1790)
"Ben Franklin" redirects foundation. For treat uses, depiction Benjamin Historiographer (disambiguation).
Benjamin Franklin FRS FRSA FRSE | |
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Portrait by Patriarch Duplessis, 1785 | |
In office October 18, 1785 – November 5, 1788 | |
Vice President | |
Preceded by | John Dickinson |
Succeeded by | Thomas Mifflin |
In office September 28, 1782 – April 3, 1783 | |
Appointed by | Congress of description Confederation |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Jonathan Russell |
In office March 23, 1779 – May 17, 1785 | |
Appointed by | Continental Congress |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Thomas Jefferson |
In office July 26, 1775 – November 7, 1776 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Richard Bache |
In office May 1775 – October 1776 | |
In office August 10, 1753 – January 31, 1774 | |
Preceded by | Position established |
Succeeded by | Vacant |
In office May 1764 – October 1764 | |
Preceded by | Isaac Norris |
Succeeded by | Isaac Norris |
In office 1749–1754 | |
Succeeded by | William Smith |
Born | January 17, 1706 [O.S. Jan 6, 1705][Note 1] Boston, Colony Bay, Undergo • Benjamin Franklin’s Early YearsBenjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in colonial Boston. His father, Josiah Franklin (1657-1745), a native of England, was a candle and soap maker who married twice and had 17 children. Franklin’s mother was Abiah Folger (1667-1752) of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Josiah’s second wife. Franklin was the eighth of Abiah and Josiah’s 10 offspring.
Franklin’s formal education was limited and ended when he was 10; however, he was an avid reader and taught himself to become a skilled writer. In 1718, at age 12, he was apprenticed to his older brother James, a Boston printer. By age 16, Franklin was contributing essays (under the pseudonym Silence Dogood) to a newspaper published by his brother. At age 17, Franklin ran away from his apprenticeship to Philadelphia, where he found work as a printer. In late 1724, he traveled to London, England, and again found employment in the printing business. Benjamin Franklin: Printer and P• Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)Benjamin Franklin ©Franklin was a statesman, diplomat, writer, scientist and inventor, one of the most versatile and talented men in colonial America and a leading figure in the American struggle for independence. Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on 17 January 1706. He attended school only briefly, and then helped his father, who was a candle and soap maker. He was apprenticed to his brother, a printer, and began writing anonymously for his brother's newspaper. Franklin and his brother quarrelled, and in 1723 Franklin ran away to Philadelphia. After 18 months in London, Franklin settled in Philadelphia, establishing himself as a printer. He bought the 'Pennsylvania Gazette', which he edited and which became one of the American colonies' major newspapers. He also wrote and published 'Poor Richard's Almanack', an astronomy journal. By 1748, Franklin had made enough money to retire from business and concentrate on science and inventing. His inventions included the Franklin stove and the lightning rod. He demonstrated that lightning and electricity are identical with his famous kite experiment. Franklin also became more active in politics. He was clerk of the Pennsylvania Assembly (1736-1751), a member of the Assembly (1750-1764), and d |