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Benjamin Franklin

Scientist, Diplomat, Writer, and Statesman

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Born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin was the 15th of 17 children in his family and the youngest son. He attended only two years of school. His father employed him in the family soap making business. At 12, he was apprenticed to a printer.

In 1723, he moved to Philadelphia and started a successful newspaper. From 1733 to 1758, he published Poor Richard's Alamanck. In 1743, he invented the heat-efficient stove that bears his name. He discovered that lightning was electricity.

He went to England to represent American interests and remained until 1775. On returning, he declared his support for American independence. He was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress and provided the ideas the led to the Articles of Confederation. He was made Postmaster General in 1775. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and was one of its signers. Shortly thereafter, he became Minister to France, where he was warmly received. He was instrumental in gaining French support for the colonies in the American Revolution.

At age 81, he attended the Constitutional Convention as its oldest delegate. He died on April 17, 1790.