The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)

Popularly known as the "First American", Benjamin Franklin remains one of the most celebrated political figures in American history. Born on 17 January 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts, Franklin was a polymath who was a statesman, diplomat, politician, scientist, an activist, inventor, and author. A leading intellectual of his time, Franklin is regarded as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States and the first United States Postmaster General.

Benjamin Franklin was born to Josiah Franklin, a soap and candle maker, and his second wife, Abiah Folger. The 15th child and the youngest son in the family, Franklin dropped out of formal schooling at the age of 10 to help his father with soap and candle making to help him make money. In 1723, he fled to New York and finally settled in Philadelphia, where he started working with a printer. Over the years, his scientific pursuits led him to craft a number of inventions, including Franklin stove, bifocals, rocking chair, American penny, flexible catheter, and so on. In his public life, he helped in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. He also negotiated the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which was instrumental in ending the Revolutionary War.

Franklin was honoured centuries after he passed away on the 50 cent piece and $100 bill, as well as warships, and even in the names of towns and institutions - a testament to his unparalleled political and scientific legacy.