Franklin, Benjamin
philosopher, statesman, scientist, author, was born Jan. 17, 1706, in Boston, Mass. After various vicissitudes, when seventeen years of age he went to Philadelphia, and became a printer. With the help of Gov. Sir William Keith, he visited England, where he remained nearly two years. In 1732 he commenced the publication of Poor Richard's Almanac, which he continued until 1737; and after that established a newspaper. He held the various offices of state printer, clerk of the general assembly, and postmaster of Philadelphia. He was the father and patron of the Philosophical society, and of the Pennsylvania university and hospital. In 1741 he published the General Magazine.
In 1744 he was elected to the provincial assembly, holding the office ten years; in 1758 concluded a treaty with the Indians at Carlisle. He became postmaster-general of America. He was sent to England as an advocate and agent for the province on two occasions, remaining there eleven years. On the breaking out of the revolution he returned to America, and took an active and important part in public affairs; was a signer of the declaration of independence; a delegate to the continental congress in 1775 and 1776; and in 1778 was sent to France in a diplomatic capacity, where he remained until 1785.
He was next elected governor of Pennsylvania and wasa member of the convention which framed the federal constitution, and signed that instrument. He made important discoveries in electricity; wrote and published much on a variety of themes, and his Life, Writings and Correspondence, issued in ten volumes, are an important feature in all the best libraries of the country. He died April 17, 1790, in Philadelphia, Pa.