Benjamin Franklin
. This most prominent
American philosopher and statesman was born
at Boston, New England, January 6, 1706. He
was well educated under his father, who was a
tallow-chandler and soap-boiler, and after being
engaged in that businefs he was bound to his
father’s elder brother, a printer. A difference
with his uncle removed him from New York to
Philadelphia, where he was noticed by the
governor, Keith, and encouraged to set up in
business for himself. With this view he came
to London; but soon discovered that the
promises of his patron were the unmeaning
professions of polished life, and, after working
as a journeyman printer, he, in 1726, returned
to Philadelphia. He began business, and published
a periodical paper, which was read with
avidity. He was married in 1730, and the
next year he began the public library of
Philadelphia. After this he devoted himself to
the interests of his country, being instrumental
in bringing about the Declaration of Independence.
He died April 17, 1790, and his countrymen
ordered, on this occasion, a public mourning
for two months.