Franklin, BENJAMIN

LL.D., F.R.S., 1706-1790. Born in Boston; removed 1723 to Phila., where he worked as a printer, founded the Philosophical Society and indirectly the Univ. of Pa., and began his electrical researches 1746; Postmaster-Gen. for the Colonies 1753; in England 1757-62, on a mi ion as to the taxing of estates, and again 1762, to procure the repeal of the Stamp Act and redre of other grievances; in Congre 1775-76; one of the Committee to frame the Declaration of Independence, and a signer of it; Minister to France 1776-85; Pres. of Pa. 1785-88; Member of the Constitutional Convention 1787. No civilian of his time rendered greater services to America; he was also eminent as scientist, philosopher, and wit. His Poor Richard's Almanac, 1732-57, is still read; his Autobiography was edited by J. Bigelow 1868, and his complete works in 10 vols., 1886-87.-His son, WILLIAM, 1729-1813, was Gov. of N. J. 1762-76, and a royalist.