Benjamin Franklin is one of the extraordinary American of his times. He was instrumental in paving the way for the birth of a new nation. Franklin was a genius- he was a famous author, a satirist, a political theorist, politician, scientist, inventor and printer all rolled into one. Benjamin Franklin is noted for his discoveries and theories regarding electricity in the field of Physics. His inventions include lightning rod, bifocals, the Franklin stove, a musical instrument and a carriage odometer. Benjamin Franklin was the founder of the first public lending library and the fire department in the whole of America.
Childhood of Benjamin Franklin
Born in the year 1706 on January 17th, Benjamin Franklin was the tenth son of Josiah Franklin and his wife Abiah Folger. Josiah wanted his son to be a clergyman, which required rigorous schooling. Unfortunately, they did not have enough money and could afford only a single year of schooling for their son. However, this could not stop the making of the genius. Since childhood, Benjamin had a tremendous inclination towards reading books and learning from them. He started to work as an apprentice under his brother James, who was then a printer.
Benjamin Franklin as 'Silence Dogood'
Benjamin's brother James started the first newspaper of Boston named 'The New England Courant'. Though, Benjamin wanted to write articles for this newspaper his brother refused take him. Ben as his friends and family called him started writing letters to the newspaper under a fictional name of a widow named 'Silence Dogood'. These letters use to analyze and write about critical issues on women. They were an instant hit with the readers, and every one was
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curious to know about the mysterious ‘Silence Dogood’. After 16 letters Ben had confessed that he was writing these letters.
Benjamin Franklin's Escape to Philadelphia
Running away to Philadelphia proved to be a turning point in the career of Benjamin Franklin. He first tried his luck in New York but failed to find a job as a printer. On October 6,1723 he finally arrived in Philadelphia where he met his wife Deborah Read. He did so well as an apprentice printer that the governor of Pennsylvania helped and guided him in setting up a business. During this period, Franklin spent several months in England engaged in printing work. After returning to Philadelphia Franklin borrowed some money to set up his own printing business and was doing very well. His business prospered in leaps and bounds and he started getting government contracts also.
Inventions and Discoveries of Benjamin Franklin
The invention of the lightning rod, the glass harmonica, the Franklin stove, bifocal glasses is credited to the genius of Franklin. In 1736 he founded the Union Fire Company, which is the first volunteer fire fighting company in America. He also printed the new currency for New Jersey the same year. Franklin was unanimously voted as the President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania on November 18, 1785.
On April 17, 1790 the long illustrious life of Benjamin Franklin came to an end. His body was buried in the Christ Church Burial Ground of Philadelphia. More than 20,000 people attended his funeral to mourn the death of this great man.
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