Discover the Best Books Written by Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. He was the tenth son of soap maker Josiah Franklin. Benjamin's mother was Abiah Folger, the second wife of Josiah. In all, Josiah would father 17 children.
Josiah intended for Benjamin to enter the clergy. However, Josiah could only afford to send his son to school for one year, and clergymen needed years of schooling. But, as young Benjamin loved to read, he had him apprenticed to his brother James, who was a printer. After helping James compose pamphlets and set type, which was grueling work, 12-year-old Benjamin would sell their products in the streets.