Benjamin Franklin

inventor, publisher, statesman
Born: 1/17/1706
Birthplace: Boston, Mass.

Though best remembered for his services as a diplomat and statesman during the American Revolution, this “wisest American” was also a philosopher, publisher, and scientist. His collection of common-sense sayings in Poor Richard's Almanack won immediate and lasting success. His other contributions came as the colonies' first postmaster general, and as founder of the American Philosophical Society, which later became the University of Pennsylvania.

Died: 4/17/1790
 
See also: