Benjamin Franklin was born in 1706 and
lived in Boston, Massachusetts. He had sixteen brothers and
sisters! As a child, Ben went to school for only two years
before going to work for his brother, James. James taught
Ben how to be a printer. Ben had many ideas and loved to
write. When Ben was seventeen he went to Philadelphia to
find work. He eventually opened his own print shop in
Philadelphia. He printed a book each year called Poor
Richard's Almanack. The book was filled with weather
forcasts, advice, and wise sayings.
Benjamin Franklin had ideas to help
people. He set up the first fire department. He also created
a metal stove that fit inside a fireplace. He put reading
lenses together with regular lenses in one frame to create
bifocals.In 1752 he used a kite and key to experiment with
lightning. Ben Franklin was also involved with politics. He
signed the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of
Alliance, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitution of the
United States. Benjamin Franklin's picture appears on money
and stamps. The next time you pass a fire station, think of
Ben Franklin and his many contributions!
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