Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 to Josiah and Abiah Franklin. He was one of 17 children
and was raised in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben attended only one year of grammar school, where he learned
to read and write. However, he could not become a member of the clergy without more years of schooling.
At the age of 12 Ben apprenticed with his brother, James, and learned about the printing business. This
became a passion of his that he would carry with him his whole life, no matter where he resided.
In 1728, Franklin fathered a son, William, whose mother is not known. In 1729, Benjamin bought
"The Pennsylvania Gazette" and not only printed the newspaper, but contributed articles to it under
various aliases. In 1730 he married Deborah Read and in addition to running their own print
shop they also ran a store together.
"Poor Richard's Almanac" came to being in 1733. This is where many of Franklin's memorable quotes have come from,
such as "a penny saved is a penny earned".
Along with his political accomplishments and several inventions, Franklin also fathered two more children with wife,
Deborah. Francis Folger Franklin was born on October 20, 1732 and died on November 21, 1736. He was only four
years old. Sarah Franklin Bache was born on September 11, 1743.
On April 17, 1790, Benjamin Franklin died at the age of 84 and 20,000 people attended his funeral.
For more information on Franklin's political contributions and a few of his inventions, visit my other web pages on this site.