Today marks the 235th anniversary of Ben Franklin’s death on April 17, 1790. How can anyone sum up the life of this giant of a man in just a few paragraphs? He is one of the most legendary men in American history, and deservedly so. The list of his accomplishments is a long one: inventor, printer, writer, humorist, philosopher, postmaster, diplomat, congressman, military leader, and— during his decades in England and France—a social butterfly who hobnobbed with the elites of European society, especially the ladies of the French aristocracy. He may be more famous for his inventions that for having helped write the Declaration of Independence—for two hundred years, it seems, our school children have learned about his experiments with electricity, and the famous episode of him flying a kite to draw lightning. Among his many inventions was the “Franklin stove,” which warmed the homes of countless Americans. He also was responsible for installing the first street lights in Philadelphia, his adopted home. His contributions to the betterment of all Americans are incalculable.
What of His Personal Life?
His family was of modest means, and could only afford 2 years of schooling for young Ben. At age 12 he went to work as an apprentice, and at age 17 he left home for Philadelphia, where he quickly distinguished himself for his skills as a printer and newspaperman. Also very quickly, he met 15 year old Deborah Read, who became his common law wife. They had two children, Frances and Sarah. On a sour note, Ben also had fathered an illegitimate son, William, who became part of the Franklin household and was raised by Deborah as her own. When Ben went to Europe for years at a time, Deborah did not go with him. She died in Philadelphia in 1774 while Ben was engaged in his ambassadorial duties abroad; although he knew she was sick, he chose to stay abroad. Ben never remarried, and he became estranged from his son William, who became a staunch Loyalist during the Revolution; they never reconciled.
Remembering Benjamin Franklin Today
Today, we have many daily reminders of Ben Franklin’s importance to our nation’s history. Since 1914, his face has graced our $100 bill. In 1948, the U.S. mint began minting a half-dollar coin with his image on it. And, of course, there are countless buildings, schools, roads, and other public places named after him. He remains one of the most revered figures in American history, and for that we honor him today.