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5 interesting facts about benjamin franklin

  • 1. Ben Franklin came from a large family.

    1. Ben Franklin came from a large family.
    fact, his father, Josiah Franklin, had 17 children with 2 wives. He was the 8th to the second wife but the 15th in total. He started to work with his brothers in a print shop at the age of 12.
  • 2. Ben Franklin was a writer

    2. Ben Franklin was a writer
    Franklin started out with a passion in writing and wrote many writings immediately after starting work. However, his older brother refused to publish his writings. After more work and effort, he was able to take his writings elsewhere to get published, many of which are famous today.
  • 3. He was a volunteer fireman.

    3. He was a volunteer fireman.
    He had a passion for “paying it forward” and giving back to the community. The department he volunteered for is called the Union Fire Company, but is now known as “Benjamin Franklin’s Bucket Brigade”. After volunteering multiple times, he wrote articles on fire safety.
  • 4. Ben Franklin is known for inventing the glass harmonica.

    4. Ben Franklin is known for inventing the glass harmonica.
    He designed the glass harmonica, or armonica, in 1761. It creates musical tones by using different sized glass bowls. It’s kind of like the old-fashioned version of rubbing your finger on a crystal glass.
  • 5. During experiments, Franklin was almost killed twice.

    5. During experiments, Franklin was almost killed twice.
    The only reason he survived was because he didn’t receive a strong enough charge. One time he was trying to help cure a paralyzed man with electric shock. The other time was a result from his attempt to kill a turkey with electrical shock.