Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)

Benjamin Franklin was a principal leader of the American Revolution. Before the war for independence Franklin earned fame as Philadelphia publisher and writer and world recognition as a scientist and inventor.

He was born in Boston. He was the 15th of 17th children. His father was a soap and candlemaker, who immigrated to United States from England.

At the age 12, Benjamin went to work as an apprentice to his older brother James who is a printer.

Benjamin Franklin

In 1723 Franklin moved to Philadelphia and worked as a printer. In 1724, he travelled to London, England to buy printing equipment. When he found himself stranded and without money, he went to work as a printer.

Benjamin was a great scientific thinker and inventor. He invented the Franklin stove, which was used to heat rooms, and a type of eyeglass called bifocals.  Benjamin also invented brighter street light, swim fins and library seats with built in stairs.

His experiments with electricity led to the invention of the lightning rod.

He served as deputy postmaster-general for the colonies and on the committee in the Second Continental Congress responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790)