Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
The Man
Called “the 1st American” Influenced by the Puritans Deist Tried to reach moral perfection through logic
A Jack OF All Trades….
Scientist Diplomat Philosopher Writer Inventor Inventions: Franklin Stove/ bifocals/ lightning rod
The Author
Author of Poor Richard’s Almanac Richard Saunders Well know for aphorisms, maxims, and proverbs
Family
Married landlord’s daughter (husband was lost at sea) Common law marriage Had 2 children and raised Franklin’s illegitimate son His son was a Tory (they never got along)
Timeline