Benjamin Franklin Facts
Young Ben Franklin a lover of the
printed word, avid reader and self taught genius. Franklin wore
many hats throughout his long and productive life: Printer; Writer;
Statesmen; Diplomat; Politician; Scientist and Inventor. A lifetime of
many accomplishments.
The elder Benjamin Franklin, arguably one of the most interesting founding fathers played a significant role in the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He was also the oldest founding father to sign the Declaration of Independence
at the age of 70.
Benjamin Franklin would go on to live another 14
years doing great deeds in public service. Notably the signing of the Treaty of Paris (1783), serving in the Constitutional Convention and signer of the United States Constitution. He ultimately retired from public office in 1788 but prior to his death he wrote the third part of "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" and invented the Bifocals. Benjamin Franklin died of pleurisy on April 17, 1790 at the age of 84.
Facts about Benjamin Franklin
NICKNAME
First American
PSEUDONYMS
Alice Addertongue; Anthony Afterwit; Polly Baker; Richard Saunders
BIRTH
Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston Massachusetts
MOTHER
Abiah Folger
FATHER
Josiah Franklin
SISTERS
Mary; Sarah; Lydia; Jane
BROTHERS
John; Peter; James; Ebenezer; Thomas
HALF SISTERS
Elizabeth; Hannah; Ann
HALF BROTHERS
Samuel; Josiah Jr.;
Joseph 1st, died in infancy; Joseph
MARRIAGE
Deborah Read on September 1, 1730
CHILDREN
William Franklin
Francis Folger Franklin
Sarah Franklin
HIGHER EDUCATION
Ben Franklin didn't have any formal education. He was self taught
MILITARY SERVICE
None
POLITICAL PARTY
Federalist
DEATH
Benjamin Franklin died April 17, 1790 in Philadelphia
BURIED
The Christ Church of Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin Signature
Benjamin Franklin Inventions
~Franklin Stove ~
- Franklin Stove
- Bifocals
- Extension Arm
- Ferguson's Clock
- Carriage Odometer
- Glass Armonica
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- Library Chair
- Lightening Rod
- Street lights
- Swim Fins
- Urinary Catheter that was flexible
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Benjamin Franklin 13 Virtues

- Temperence: Eat not to dullness; Drink not to elevation
- Silence: Speak not but what would benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversations
- Order: Let all your things have all their places; let each part of your business have it's time
- Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without out fail to resolve
- Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is waste nothing
- Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off unnecessary actions
- Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly
- Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty
- Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve
- Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation
- Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable
- Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation
- Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates
Major Writings of Benjamin Franklin
- Poor Richards Almanack
- The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
- The Speech of Miss Polly Baker
Famous Benjamin Franklin Landmarks
Benjamin Franklin National Memorial
Located in the rotunda of the Ben Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, P.A. The 20 foot high marble statue was sculpted by James Earle Fraser circa 1938.
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Ben Franklin Old City Hall Statue
This Benjamin Franklin statue over looks the former site of the Boston Latin school where Ben Franklin and founding fathers Samuel Adams and John Hancock attended. The Statue was sculpted by Richard Greenough, placed in 1856. Four bronze panels surround the base depicting Franklin singing of the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Paris; also as printer and scientist,
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