Benjamin Franklin

I have been on a Ben kick this past year. I've read about 5 books on his life. Out of all the Founding Fathers I find him most accessible, most human, most interesting! (Had the revolution never taken place we would not know about Washington, Jefferson, Adams, but we would all know about Ben!) Here are some interesting facts about him.

Born in Boston during 1706, he was the youngest son in a family of 15 children. His father wanted him to become a minister but soon realized that Ben wasn't this type of material. While growing up he received 2 years formal education and began working at the family candle/soap shop at 12. This however was not to his liking. Ben was eager to make his way in the world and like one of his older brothers, Ben longed to board a ship and travel to another country. His father realized Ben would run away to sea unless he could keep him interested in some other occupation, so he made him an apprentice at Ben's older brother's print shop. It was here that Ben first demonstrated his genius. While working for his brother, Ben had great resources available to him. He had books and papers he could use to help in his own self-education. He studied some of the popular essays on subjects such as science and history and memorized them to the extent that he could rewrite them in his own words.

To say that Ben was a politician is an understatement. Ben Franklin played his cards well! Even at the age of a teenager Ben realized that in order to survive in the world of business one must choose words and actions with a coy wisdom, understanding of your opponent. Ben's opponent was his brother. His brother was an intelligent and somewhat successful newspaper editor in the late 18th century Boston. Yet his brother was jealous of him. Ben was often at his brother's mercy taking the worst jobs and an occasional beating. So when Ben decided he would like to contribute to his brother's newspaper he knew it would have to be under a pseudonym. Thus Ben wrote editorials under the guise of an elderly widow, "Silence Dogood". He placed these under the door of his brother's shop at night and when his brother found them he was greatly impressed by their entertaining wit and wisdom. He promptly advertised for more contributions from the widow!

These essays were witty and humourous rants that poked fun at Boston society. They were well received among subscribers. Later, when Ben's older brother discovered who the author was, his anger and jealousy were enflamed more. The abuse increased. Ben wanted out from under his controle but by contract he was bound to work for another four years as an apprentice.

Ben decided he had enough. Against his fathers will, against his brother and against the contract of his appenticeship he took off. Ben headed for New York in hopes of finding a printing job. Yet none were availible. "Go to Philidelphia!" was the advice he got. So off he went. It was here he would find his career as a printer, his wife Debora Reed and establish himself as a leading scientist and politician. Yet before all this was to happen, Ben was majorly screwed by the Governor of Philidelphia.

Ben became aqcuainted with the governor of Philidelphia. This man was a big talker who loved to invent all sorts of scemes. He had all kinds of advice for Ben. He convinced Ben to go to England and start a printing business. He himself would provide Ben with the resources.
MORE LATER GOTTA GO!!