He was a renowned polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat.
Founds the Junto, or "Leathern Apron" Club.
Founds the Philadelphia Library.
Elected to the Assembly; appointed Deputy Postmaster-General; plans a city police.
Invents the open, or "Franklin," stove
Experiments with a kite and discovers that lightning is an electrical discharge.
Receives the degree of LL.D. from Oxford and Edinburgh; returns to America.
Travels in France and is presented at court.
Procures a telescope for Harvard College.
Placed on the committee to draft a Declaration of Independence; chosen president of the Constitutional Committee of Pennsylvania; sent to France as agent of the colonies.
Concludes treaties of defensive alliance, and of amity and commerce; is received at court.
Signs the definite treaty of peace
Reelected President; sent as delegate to the convention for framing a Federal Constitution.
Retires from public life.
April 17, dies. His grave is in the churchyard at Fifth and Arch streets, Philadelphia
