The Many Lives of Benjamin Franklin

This was a simple overview of Benjamin Franklin's life and his contributions to the United States. When Ben was born in Boston, his parents knew he was special because he was curious, had a sense of humor, and read a lot. He always tried different ways of doing things such as making paddles to swim faster and holding onto a kite while he swam so it could pull him. Ben was sent to live with his brother, James. James was a printer, so Ben wanted to learn to print also. Ben wrote letters for the newspaper without his brother's permission. When James discovered Ben's dishonesty, Ben decided to move to Philadelphia. Benjamin worked hard at printing until finally he bought his own shop. Benjamin married and had two children. His contributions to Philadelphia are tremendous, such as starting a reading club called Junto, starting the first free library, fire department, hospital and school, and even proved that lightning was electricity. Before Benjamin Franklin died at age 84, he helped free America through signing the Declaration of Independence and writing the Constitution of the United States.