About Ben

Benjamin Franklin lived a rags-to-riches life marked by business success and leadership, extraordinary scientific achievement, selfless service to his community, and crucial leadership in the establishment of our Republic. This man, born the 15th of 17 children to a poor Boston candlemaker, and having had but two years of formal education, became the first American ambassador abroad. He also was the only Founding Father to sign all four key documents of our fledgling nation: the Declaration of Independence, the Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with France, the peace treaty with England that ended the Revolutionary War, and our Constitution. During his 84-year life, Franklin became our best-known American, whose simple dress and manner belied a keen intelligence, a charming wit, and enormous stamina, all of which he put at the service of his country.