Benjamin Franklin, born January 17, 1706, was the 10th son of 17 children. He was born and grew up in Boston. Even though he was considered by most to be extremely intelligent, he only attended grammar school for 2 years. When he was just 10 years-old, Ben began to work for his father as a candle maker (Sahlman).

In 1717, he began to regain some of the knowledge that he was deprived when he was pulled out of school to work for his father. Franklin began reading writings from such authors as: Plutarch, Defoe, and Mather ("The Electric Franklin"). This education obviously became very important later in his life to him and our country. It is like he said, "Genius without education is like silver in the mine (Glenn)."

Ben Franklin grew up extremely quickly by today's standards. At the age of 17, he ran away from his home in Boston and moved to Philadelphia. Franklin slipped a letter, signed "Silence Dogood," under the door of his broth

As a diplomat in 1757, he went to England to petition the king for the right to levy taxes. He stayed in England for the next five years and represented colonies (Sahlman).

er's newspaper, the New England Courant. That letter and the next 13 written by Franklin were published anonymously. The essays were widely read and acclaimed for their satire (Sahlman).

Bedridden at the ripe age of 84, Ben Franklin passed away. Over 20,000 people attended his funeral ("Benjamin Franklin"). Why not? He was and still is one of the greatest people to ever live.

At this time he began to publish and extremely successful book. It was called Poor Richard's Almanac. This book was extremely highly thought of. For the most part, it would be equivalent to the modern day Farmer's Almanac ("The Electric Franklin").

Once in Philadelphia he got a job as a printer. He established a friendship with the Pennsylvania governor, Sir William Keith. Franklin took Keith's suggestion and decided to go into business for himself. Franklin proved himself to be a great businessman (Sahlman). These are Ben Franklin's "Top 10 Business Maxims:"

9. Never form the habit of talking about your neighbors, or repeating things that you hear others say. You will avoid much unpleasantness, and sometimes serious difficulties.

In 1785, at the age of 80, he returned to Philadelphia after the lengthy trip to Europe. Two years later, he became a member of the overly important Constitutional Convention. Although he was 80+ years old, he still helped create and signed the Constitution ("Benjamin Franklin").

5. Never misrepresent, falsify, or deceive; have one rule of moral life, never swerve from it, whatever may be the acts or opinions of others.

One of the final things that Franklin did in his life was helping petition congress to abolish slavery. Although it wasn't successful, it really helped set the tone for things to come (Sahlman).

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Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)