FRANKLIN COUNTY. 261 



Name. — Benjamin Franklin, an eminent philosopher, states- 

 man, and patriot, was born in Boston, January 17, 170G, At 

 ten years of age, he was taken from school and assisted his 

 father in his business, which was that of a tallow-chandler 

 and soap-boiler. At the end of two years, he was bound an 

 apprentice to his brother, who was a printer. Having a great 

 taste for books, his leisure moments were employed in reading 

 works which his limited means allowed him to purchase ; and 

 so anxious was he to improve his mind, that he often passed 

 the greater part of the night in reading. 



During his apprenticeship, his brother began to print the 

 " New England Courant," for which Franklin wrote several 

 esays. On account of some misunderstanding between his 

 brother and himself, Franklin left Boston and came to Phila- 

 delphia, where he found employment in a printing office. 

 After a short period he was induced to go to London by pro- 

 mises of assistance from Sir William Keith, who had professed 

 great friendship for him ; which promises, however, were not 

 fulfilled, and Franklin found himself in London without a sin- 

 gle acquaintance or friend, but obtained employment in a 

 printing office. In 1726, he returned to America. 



Shortly after his arrival in Philadelphia he commenced 

 business for himself. The claims of business did not extinguish 

 his taste for literature. He formed the plan of the Library 

 Company of Philadelphia. In 1732, he commenced the pub- 

 lication of " Poor Richard's Almanac," which was continued 

 by him for 25 years. In 1736, he was appointed Clerk of the 

 General Assembly of Pennsylvania, and in 1737, Post Master 

 of Philadelphia. In 1738, he organized the first fire company. 

 In 1747, he was chosen a member of the Assembly, and con- 

 tinued in this station ten years. 



At this time he was engaged in experiments in electricity, 

 and made the discovery which has immortalized his name, viz : 

 the identity of the electric fluid and lightning. In 1753, he 

 was appointed Deputy Post Master General of the British 

 colonies, and in the same year originated several scientific so- 

 cieties which are now the pride of America. In the war be- 

 tween France and England, he filled several important offices, 

 the duties of which he discharged with industry and zeal. In 



