Work Title: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s own unfinished memoir: apprenticeship, rise in Philadelphia, civic projects and experiments.

Public domain; Project Gutenberg & many editions.

Benjamin Franklin

Early Life and Education

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the fifteenth child in a large family and received only a modest formal education. At the age of twelve, he apprenticed with his brother James, a printer, which sparked his lifelong engagement with writing, publishing, and public discourse.

Rise as a Public Figure

Franklin moved to Philadelphia and established himself as a successful printer and publisher. He founded the Pennsylvania Gazette and later Poor Richard’s Almanack, which became widely popular for its wit and wisdom. His civic contributions included founding the first public library in America, the University of Pennsylvania, and the American Philosophical Society.

Scientific and Inventive Achievements

Franklin’s curiosity and intellect led to numerous scientific discoveries and inventions. He conducted groundbreaking experiments with electricity, famously using a kite to prove the electrical nature of lightning. His inventions included the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove. He was internationally recognized for his scientific work.

Role in the American Revolution

Franklin was a key figure in the movement for independence. He served in the Continental Congress and helped draft the Declaration of Independence. As a diplomat in France, he secured crucial support for the American cause, including military aid and recognition of American sovereignty. His charm and intellect made him a beloved figure abroad.

Later Years and Legacy

Franklin returned to America and participated in the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Though elderly, his wisdom and experience were invaluable. He died on April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia. Franklin’s legacy spans science, politics, literature, and civic life. He remains one of the most versatile and influential figures in American history.

Source:
McCabe, James D. The Centennial Book of American Biography: Embracing the Lives of the Great Men Whose Deeds Illustrate the First 100 Years of American Independence. Philadelphia and Chicago: P. W. Ziegler & Co., 1876. Internet Archive