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Benjamin franklin by joseph duplessis 1778 (1)

Benjamin Franklin

By Ruth Gramajo
  • Birth
    1706 BCE

    Birth

    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

    Invents the open, or "Franklin," stove

  • Experiments with a kite and discovers that lightning is an electrical discharge.

    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.

    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.

    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