Benjamin Franklin
By: David C. and Evan B.
Early Life of Benjamin Franklin
He assisted his father in his soap boiling business from 1716- 1718. In 1718 he joined his brother James in a printer business where he became an apprenticeship. Franklin ran away in 1723 to Philadelphia where he joined Sam Keimer in printing. He later left to London in 1724 where he continued as a journeyman printer, practicing the trade. After he became back to Philadelphia in 1726 and by 1730 became an independent master printer. He also helped out Philadelphia with its organization with its emergency forces, and its schooling, along with so much more.
- Had enough money to retire at 41.
- Was very popular in London and lived there through 1750's.
- Went back to America in 1775 because he found no hope for peace.
Information from: http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1700s/franklin_ben.html
Ben Franklin's Political Rise
Franklin was a rising key political leader in Philadelphia. He was chosen the clerk of the Assembly of Pennsylvania in 1736 all the way too 1751. Sometime in between he became postmaster of Philadelphia in 1737. After the assembly job he was to the Albany Convention in 1754 where he brought up a plan for a colonial unity. In 1757- 1762 and from 1764- 1775 he was sent to London as an agent for the assembly. Also with the revolution he was sent as a commissioner and then later back to London to commission peace.
- He was a member of the Continental Congress.
- He also signed to declaration of independence.
- He was also in charge of the western frontier by the governor of that region.
Information from: http://www.archives.upenn.edu/people/1700s/franklin_ben.html
Short Youtube break!
Poor Richards Almanac
On December 19, 1732 Ben Franklin created Poor Richards Almanac. This was published for 25 straight years. This became the most selling publication in colonial america, by selling an average of 10,000 copies a year. He was very successful at this and included lots of quick phrases that had meaning too them. With them he twisted his almanac to his own taste, so others may identify him from others... also why he had Poor Richard as a character and have him fun little adventures you could say.
- When Ben made the almanac's he had many competitors, but he soon became number one in the whole colony.
- Poor Richard gave the almanac a huge selling point.
- It not only helped farmers but gave everyone good jokes, and overall advice.
Information from: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/poor-richards-almanack-is-published
and
http://pabook2.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/PoorRichardsAlmanack.html
Ben's Inventions
- Later many inventions would be named after him due to his name as an inventor.
- His inventions ranged from experiments, to enjoyment, to just plain helping out he community.
- His break though's built the city of Philadelphia and made it the city it is today.
Information from: http://www.ushistory.org/franklin/info/inventions.htm