What was Ben Franklin like?

Founding father Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston. Along with serving as one of the architects of American independence, he was also a scientist, inventor, printer, writer, newspaper owner and philosopher who became a celebrity on both sides of the Atlantic. read more

Benjamin Franklin's father, Josiah Franklin, was a tallow chandler, a soap-maker and a candle-maker. Josiah was born at Ecton, Northamptonshire, England on December 23, 1657, the son of Thomas Franklin, a blacksmith-farmer, and Jane White. read more

He was brilliant, amusing, clever, ever entertaining. He cultivated allies, avoided making enemies and kept his cards close to his chest. One might be deceived regarding his intentions, as his family learned painfully. read more