Ben franlkin 05

             Benjamin Franklin is one of the most famous and respected men in United States history. He not only made some of the most notable discoveries, but also was also deeply involved in the world of politics. Franklin is also remembered as a philanthropist ready to lend a helping hand when he could.
             Abiah Franklin gave birth to Benjamin on January 17,1706 in Boston Massachusetts. He was the 15th child and the youngest son of 17 children. His father Josiah Franklin owned a shop where he made soap and candles. He could only afford to send Benjamin to school for two years. At ten years old, Ben began to help out at his fathers shop. Benjamin Franklin believed however, that "the doors of wisdom are never shut". He read every book he could get his hands on and taught himself algebra, geometry, navigation, grammar, logic, natural and physical science. At twelve years old he became an apprentice to his older brother as a printer. He wrote several newspaper articles under the name "Mrs. Silence Dogwood". At night he would secretly slip them under the print shop door. His brother liked them and even printed a few until he found out his brother had written them. Fed up with his brother, Franklin ran away to Philadelphia at seventeen.
             Once in Philadelphia, he worked for many different partners. At 22, he became part owner of a print shop and only two years later he became sole owner. He wrote much of the material for his newspaper The Pennsylvania Gazette. In 1730, he married Deborah Read. They had two boys and one girl. His son William went on to become Governor of New Jersey. From the beginning if his newspaper in 1729 to its end in 1766, it was a success. Even more successful was his Poor Richards Almanac, which was released every year from 1733-1758. One of the most famous quotes was "early to bed early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise".
             While Benjamin Franklin never sought public office, he was very interested in public affairs.