- March 6, 1809, 217 years ago — Death of Thomas Heyward Jr..
- March 6, 1724, 302 years ago — Birth of Henry Laurens, President of the Continental Congress.
- March 7, 1707, 319 years ago — Birth of Stephen Hopkins, signer of the Declaration of Independence.
- March 7, 1699, 327 years ago — Birth of Susanna Boylston Adams, mother of John Adams.
Benjamin Franklin
FRANKLIN, Benjamin, statesman, philosopher, and author, born in Boston, Mass., 17 Jan., 1706; died in Philadelphia, Pa., 17 April, 1790.
He was apprenticed to his brother James, a printer, and early showed literary and scientific talent. He moved to Philadelphia, founded a printing business, and published the “Pennsylvania Gazette.” His “Poor Richard’s Almanack” became widely popular.
Franklin was active in civic affairs, founding libraries, fire companies, and educational institutions. His experiments with electricity earned him international fame. He was elected to the Pennsylvania assembly, and served as colonial agent in London.
He was a member of the Continental Congress, helped draft the Declaration of Independence, and was sent to France as commissioner, securing vital aid during the Revolution. He signed the Treaty of Paris and the Federal Constitution.
Franklin’s legacy includes contributions to science, diplomacy, and American political thought. His wit, wisdom, and public spirit made him one of the most admired figures of his time.
Source:
Wilson, James Grant, and John Fiske, eds. Appleton’s Cyclopædia of American Biography. New York: D. Appleton & Co., 1887. Patriot Echoes Archive
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