Born in Boston on January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the 17th child born to a huge Massachusetts family. Though his family didn’t have the resources to give Benjamin the life he wanted, Benjamin Franklin had gifts enough of his own. Though he was able to attend just one year of school as a child, he developed the love of reading that he would later be famous for… and that would soon dictate his future.
At the age of 12, Franklin took his love of the written word into an apprenticeship to his brother, who worked as a printer. Benjamin Franklin worked long hours composing pamphlets, setting type, and advertising products. But long hours at unrewarding work wasn’t enough for Franklin, and he soon ran away from Boston, eventually finding work on his own as a printer in Philadelphia.
Benjamin Franklin soon found that he was far better at the job than his own boss, who was the owner of the printing business in which he was employed. Not one to complain, he decided to borrow some money, instead, and set up a printing shop of his own. He also bought a newspaper, and began to print his own work, including the famous Poor Richard’s Almanack, which became the source of many of Franklin’s most famous --and wisest-- quotes.
Benjamin Franklin’s Contributions to Philadelphia
Soon after making himself a success as a printer, Benjamin Franklin started to look for ways to truly make a difference. During the 1730’s and 40’s, Franklin started various civic projects throughout Philadelphia to pave, clean, and light the city streets. Because fires were one of the most serious threats to the citizens of the city, he also founded a Philadelphia fire department (called a fire company).
During the 1730’s, 40’s and 50’s, it seems that Benjamin Franklin never rested. He started the Library Company in 1731. At the time, the Philadelphia library was a revolutionary idea, where members combined their money together in order to buy and share books from England. Twenty years later, after worrying about the sick and injured citizens of Philadelphia not getting the proper care, he formed the Pennsylvania hospital. And in between accomplishing amazing things, he created inventions and took part in the community; he never rested.
Benjamin Franklin’s Contributions to American Politics
Benjamin Franklin did more for America than almost any other figure in the country’s history. He was one of the biggest advocates for American independence, and even moved to England for 20 years to represent Pennsylvania in the fight for independence. In 1776, Benjamin Franklin helped write, and then signed, the Declaration of Independence. Afterward, he sailed to France to ask the country to help America in its fight for freedom; and they did. It’s partially because of Benjamin Franklin that the country is free today.
Benjamin Franklin was an incredibly well-loved figure during his own time, and continues to be in ours. To learn more about Benjamin Franklin and his fight for American Independence, visit the Smithsonian Magazine website at http://www.smithsonianmag.com
