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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

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Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most famous Founding Father of the United States. As a statesman, he was the only man to sign all four major American founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Paris, the Treaty of Alliance with France, and the Constitution. He was also famous for his literary accomplishments (Poor Richard's Almanac, et al), his scientific achievements, his inspiring self-discipline, and his Renaissance-man well-roundedness. Franklin is clearly one of the most important and influential men in the history of the country.

Sources:

Franklin, Benjamin. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

"Benjamin Franklin." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin
1706
Benjamin Franklin born on January 17 in Boston, Massachusetts.
1714
Began attending school at the age of 8. Schooling stopped after 2 years.
1716
Worked for his father in the tallow-chandlery business.
1718
Became an apprentice to his brother James, who owned a printing business.
1723
After feuding with his brother, Franklin left his duties and fled to Philadelphia. He then obtained employment from another printer, Keimer.
1724
After being convinced by Pennsylvania Governor Sir William Keith to open his own printing business, Franklin went to London to acquire the equipment that would be needed.
1726
Returned to Philadelphia and worked in a dry goods store before returning to Keimer's printing business.
1727
Created the "Junto," a discussion group who hoped to improve themselves and the community.
1728
Together with Hugh Meredith, Franklin opened his own printing business.
1729
Began publishing the "Pennsylvania Gazette." Also, Franklin opened a stationer's shop.
1730
Married Rebecca Read, whom he had met while living in the Read's home before going to London.
1731
Spurred on by the needs of the Junto, Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadephia.
1732
Franklin published the first "Poor Richard's Almanac" under the pseudonym "Richard Saunders." The humorous, well-sold Almanac contained witty sayings and information of the day.
1736
After seeing a number of homes go up in flames, Franklin formed the Union Fire Company of Philadelphia.
1743
Proposed a plan for "The Academy and College of Philadelpha," which was adopted 1749 and eventually developed into the University of Pennsylvania.
1744
Franklin established the American Philosophical Society to help scientists discuss their discoveries.
1748
Sold his printing business.
1751
Obtained a charter to establish the first American hospital with help of Dr. Thomas Bond.
1752
After much research on electricity, Franklin experimented with a kite and discovers that lightning is an electrical discharge.
1753
Awarded the Royal Society's Copley medal for his lightning discovery and elected a member of the Royal Society. Also, both Harvard and Yale awarded him honorary degrees.
1754
Appointed one of the delegates to the Albany Congress and drafted a plan for the union of the colonies (which, although not accepted, had major effects on the Articles of Confederation).
1764
Sent to England to protest unfair English political influence in Pennsylvania.
1776
Selected to be a member of the committee in charge of drafting the Declaration of Independence.
1783
Franklin negotiated and signed the Treaty of Paris to end the Revolutionary War.
1787
Sent as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention for framing a Federal Constitution.
1788
Franklin retired from public life.
1790
On April 17, Franklin died at the age of 84. Approximately 20,000 people attended his funeral.

© Steven Rossi 2007