Benjamin Franklin

- Ben Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts.

- Ben was the 8th of 10 children by his father Josiah and mother Abiah. Josiah worked as a candle and soap maker and taught all his children trades. At the young age of 12, Ben became an apprentice to his brother's printing business. Ben ran away at the age of 17 to Philadelphia to start a new life.

- Interesting Facts

   Ben founded 'The New-England Courant' newspaper at the age of 15.

   Ben started the first subscription library in Philadelphia in 1731 so people were allowed the opportunity to read expensive books that they wouldn't be able to afford on their own.

   Ben had an illegitimate song, William, whom he raise with his wife Debrorah Read.

   Ben was known as the 'First American' because of his efforts to unify the American colonies.

- Ben Franklin died from natural causes on April 17, 1790 in Philadelphia at the age of 84.